Diabetes in the Bedroom

Diabetes in the Bedroom: Scarier than Halloween?-American Diabetes Association offers tips to alleviate fears associated with common diabetes complication

(October 04, 2007) -- ALEXANDRIA, Va., -PRNewswire-USNewswire via COMTEX/ -- Halloween can be frightening, from the haunted houses to the trick-or-treating ghosts and goblins. But for some, there is something that is much scarier than Halloween: diabetes in the bedroom.

Sexual dysfunction is a diabetes complication for both men and women. According to the American Diabetes Association (ADA), fluctuation in hormone and blood glucose levels, depression, and nerve damage all contribute to sexual dysfunction. But lack of awareness from this lesser known diabetes side effect can lead to unnecessary anxiety, embarrassment, and fearfulness.

"Intimacy and diabetes is a scary topic to many," commented Ann L. Albright, PhD, RD, ADA's President, Health Care and Education. "Diabetes is a leading cause of sexual dysfunction. Many people are reluctant to talk to either their partner or doctor about it but the fact is that in many cases sexual dysfunction can be overcome successfully."

The American Diabetes Association provides a three-step approach to help alleviate fears associated with diabetes and sexual dysfunction:

1. Start with yourself -- You can lower the risk for sexual dysfunction or alleviate the condition if you already have it. Monitor blood glucose levels. Get plenty of rest. Enjoy a healthy meal plan. Incorporate physical activity throughout your day.
2. Communicate with your partner -- Communication can reduce anxiety associated with sexual dysfunction. Set time aside for honest discussion. Listen carefully. Be mindful of body language.
3. Work with your health care team -- Make regular visits. Set personal goals with their assistance. Write down questions ahead of time. Research some options before your visit. Inquire about counseling or medicines that can help.

"Because there are so many things to discuss during a routine visit, such as lab results and medication effectiveness, few health care team members ask about sexual concerns," commented Albright. "Drop a note to your provider ahead of time or ask for more time when scheduling your next appointment. There is no reason to allow your fear of discussing sexual dysfunction take over your life with diabetes."

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The American Diabetes Association has published a new book, Sex and Diabetes: For Him and For Her. To order this book, please call 1-800-232-6733 or order online at http://store.diabetes.org. For press information and review copies only call (703) 303-5612. For more information, visit the American Diabetes Association website http://www.diabetes.org or call 1-800-DIABETES.

Source: American Diabetes Association

Last updated: 10/07

Related Information:

• Reclaim Your Sex Life with Diabetes
• Addressing the Sexual Problems of Diabetic Women
• Current Safe Sex Education is Not Changing Sexual Risk Behavior
• Why Sex Problems Are Hard to Diagnose
• Sexual Dysfunction Diagnostic and Treatment Guidelines
• How Sex Problems Can Destroy A Relationship
• Diagnosing and Treating Male Sexual Dysfunction
• Types of Female Sexual Disorders
• Early Adolescent Sexuality: What is Your Child Going Through
• Sex and the Early Teen: What is Going On?
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• Opening the Channels for 'The Sex Talk' With Your Teenager
• Study on American Lad Magazines - Where Boys Learn About Sex
• Can You Be Too Open With Your Kids When It Comes To Sex?
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• Treatment of Phobias

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