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Dating with Diabetes: Part 3 | Does Diabetes Affects Sexual Performance?

Jun 14, 2023

Sex is a topic that makes a lot of people uncomfortable, but it’s an important one to discuss, especially when it comes to diabetes.

Diabetes can affect many areas of your life, including your sexual performance. If you have diabetes, you may be wondering if it’s affecting your sex life and what you can do about it.

Let’s discuss the relationship between diabetes and sexual performance and what you need to know to keep things healthy and enjoyable.

The first thing to understand is that if you have diabetes, it can affect your sexual performance, but it’s not a guaranteed thing. It all comes down to your blood sugar levels. If your blood sugar is too high or too low, it can impact your ability to perform sexually. When your blood sugar is low, you may not have the energy or desire to engage in sexual activity. And when it’s high, you may experience reduced sensitivity or difficulty achieving an erection or orgasm.

So….

“ What can you do to prevent these issues from occurring?”

 The key is to keep your blood sugar levels in a healthy range as much as possible. This means following a healthy diet, exercising regularly, and taking your medications as prescribed. It’s also important to test your blood sugar frequently, especially before engaging in sexual activity, so you can make any necessary adjustments to your treatment plan.

One thing to keep in mind…

Your blood sugar levels can fluctuate during sexual activity, especially if it’s  “physically demanding”. This is why it’s important to be prepared and have glucose tablets or another form of fast-acting carbohydrate nearby, just in case you need it.

Another thing to consider is the long-term effects of diabetes on sexual performance. Over time, high blood sugar levels can cause nerve damage and reduce blood flow, which can lead to sexual dysfunction. 

This is why it’s important to maintain good blood sugar control over the long term, so you can minimize the risk of developing complications that can affect your sex life.

If you’re in a relationship, it’s also important to communicate with your partner about your diabetes and how it may affect your sexual performance. 

This can be a sensitive topic, but it’s important to be open and honest about your needs and any concerns you may have. Your partner can be a valuable source of support and understanding, and together you can work to find ways to keep your sex life healthy and enjoyable.

While diabetes can affect your sexual performance, it doesn’t have to. By maintaining good blood sugar control, being prepared for fluctuations in blood sugar during sexual activity, and communicating with your partner, you can keep your sex life healthy and enjoyable.

 Remember, there’s no shame in talking about sex, and with a little bit of knowledge and preparation, you can ensure that diabetes doesn’t get in the way of a fulfilling sex life.

If you want to know more about how to manage your blood sugar level in these kinds of situations, let us know! Our dietitians and diabetes educators are always ready to help and answer your questions.

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