New research shows marriage is good for the health of men and women.

The study, published last week, suggests that being in a marriage can help ward off Type 2 diabetes.

Analysts looked at the health records of 3,335 adults in England, between the ages of 50 and 89.

Being married correlated with healthier blood sugar levels, whilst getting divorced was linked to rises.

Dr Sandra Wheatley, a social psychologist with a special interest in families and relationships, said:

“There are social and practical benefits from secure, long-term relationships, beyond the obvious emotional ones".

She also noted that new family relationships coming from a couple's marriage lead to “a combining of support resources”.

“There’s a little team of people who have got your back and, in return, you’ve got theirs", she said.

Loneliness and social isolation have, conversely, been linked to poorer health outcomes in people.

Other studies in the last few years have also underlined the health benefits of getting hitched.

A 2007 study found married people had age-adjusted mortality rates 10-15 per cent lower than the population as a whole.

In 2016, a study published in the journal Cancer concluded that being married boosts your chances of surviving cancer.

A spokeswoman for CARE said: "Numerous studies undermine the positives of marriage for individuals, and society as a whole.

"It is important that politicians recognise its benefits, and incentivise it through official policy.

"One of the ways UK Ministers can do this is by changing the tax system, to ensure a fairer deal for married couples."

Read CARE's recent call for tax reform, which came as the UK celebrated Marriage Week 2023.