You can cut back on the sweets. Or move in with your sweetheart. Doing either might help lower your blood sugar.

A study by Canadian and European researchers found that in adults over 50, tying the proverbial knot or living with a romantic partner produced the long-term benefit of lowering blood-sugar levels.

Previous work has shown that companionship helps maintain good health and might lower the risk of diabetes, heart disease and even Alzheimer’s, among other problems. Older adults are particularly vulnerable.

Researchers used biomarker data and reviewed medical and marital information from a group of more than 3,300 volunteers. Scientists excluded anyone with a history of diabetes.

From 2004 to 2013, they drew volunteers’ blood to measure average glucose levels.

Of the study participants, three-quarters were married or cohabitating. Interestingly, researchers found that the status of the relationship, whether strong or strained, seemed to have little if any bearing on blood sugar.

What mattered first and foremost was simply being in a relationship. The social support it brings is good for our well-being. Beyond maintaining physical health, it helps us avoid depression, which has a deleterious effect on the body.

Blood sugar levels are particularly important. The effects of diabetes can be devastating.

No one, however, suggests primary care doctors will prescribe a low-carb diet and marriage during your next appointment.

While study titles are usually heavy on scientific jargon, the authors of this paper had more of a romantic bent.

Theirs begins, “How sweet is your love?”