The impact of social influence on diabetes progression

Lifestyle habits, like physical activity and food choices, are influenced by a person’s social and economic background and their social circle. In this study, we created a computer model simulating a group of people, incorporating how factors like diet and exercise, influenced by social environments (like family or friends), affect long-term blood sugar and insulin levels. By using data from a large cross-sectional survey, we tested different social network topologies and showed the impact of social influence on the overall health of a virtual population.