Association Between Social Support and Glycaemic Control Among Patients with Type 2 Diabetes at Aminu Kano Teaching Hospital

Background: Social support is increasingly recognised as a determinant of self-management behaviours and metabolic outcomes in chronic disease. Its role in glycaemic control among diabetic patients in Northern Nigeria has not been adequately empirically examined. This study investigates the association between social support and glycaemic control among patients with type 2 diabetes at Aminu Kano Teaching Hospital, North West geopolitical zone. Methods: A cross-sectional analytic study enrolled 260 patients with type 2 diabetes through systematic sampling. The Medical Outcomes Study Social Support Survey assessed perceived social support. Glycated haemoglobin values were extracted from laboratory records. Multiple linear regression adjusted for confounders including medication adherence, disease duration, and socioeconomic status. Results: Higher perceived social support was significantly associated with lower glycated haemoglobin levels. Emotional and informational support subscales were the strongest predictors of glycaemic control. Female patients reported higher social support scores. Patients living alone or in single-parent households demonstrated the poorest metabolic outcomes. Conclusion: Social support is an independent determinant of glycaemic control in type 2 diabetes patients in Kano. Family medicine care plans should incorporate social history assessment and connect patients with low social support to peer mentorship groups and structured diabetes education programmes. Keywords: social support, glycaemic control, type 2 diabetes, Kano, family medicine