Peer Support to Enhance Type 2 Diabetes Prevention Among African American and Latino Adults.

Social support occurs within complex social networks that are diffusely embedded within the social determinants of health. Social networks operate through five primary interconnected pathways: (1) provision of social support; (2) social influence; (3) social engagement; (4) social capital; and (5) social cohesion. Research has demonstrated that increased social support can have a beneficial impact on Type 2 Diabetes (T2DM) prevention and outcomes through culturally tailored Diabetes Prevention Programs in minority communities. Further research is needed to fully measure the impact of social network peer support on T2DM outcomes to better operationalize and scale up community specific interventions.