Ask Glen!
Q. Glen, Does my Diabetes and excessive weight have any effect over my sex life?
A. Yes, But there are things you can do !
Most people who struggle with their weight are probably well aware of the correlation between obesity and diabetes. It’s a slippery slope, the more overweight and out-of-shape one becomes, the better their chances for Type 2 Diabetes. The complications caused by diabetes like heart disease, retinopathy (leading to vision loss), kidney disease and nerve damage are openly discussed with doctors and in support groups.
What’s left unsaid -- is what most people are thinking about but rarely talking about -- with their doctors: sex. Yes, diabetes can have a dramatic effect on a person’s sex life and relationships. Beyond the extra pounds making locating the naughty bits a bit difficult, there are a slew of physical and mental problems that can arise.
Being overweight causes anxiety and prevents you from enjoying your sexuality and sex life. Sex may not be enjoyable merely from the physical difficulty of having sex when you’re obese, or it could be related to nerve damage. However, everyone should to take note that much of the pleasure from sex comes from between your ears -- not just between your legs.
Often times, people don’t know they have diabetes. Type 2 comes on slowly, so it can be hard to catch, gradually creeping into the bedroom and making a person too tired, feeling too unattractive and just not interested due to the problems they face between the sheets, not even realizing what’s caused this drop in desire.
“There are many complications of diabetes that may occur as a result of high blood glucose levels, high blood pressure and/or elevated blood fats. Neuropathy is known to cause sexual dysfunction in up to 75 percent of men and up to 35 percent of women with diabetes.
Damage to the nerves in the sexual regions of the body can reduce or interfere with the ability to feel sexual sensations leading to difficulty with arousal and orgasm. Poor blood flow, especially in men, can mean an inability to achieve and sustain an erection.
Erectile dysfunction affects not only the man, but his partner as well. Because Type 2 occurs later in life, it could disrupt a previously normal sex life and could be attributed to weight gain and poor self image, instead of the real culprit.
The best way to keep the lovin’ alive is to avert yourself from this uninformed road to ruin, “Get tested for diabetes,” is the best piece of preventative advice I can give. If you don’t know what the problem is, you can’t fix it.
Now that the problem’s been diagnosed, Mitchell explains, “Type 2s can often control their blood glucose by losing weight, exercising and when necessary, taking medications. But without making the lifestyle changes required to stay at a healthy weight, some Type 2s need insulin to control their blood sugars.”
“It’s all about prevention,” says Mitchell. “Controlling blood glucose levels by losing weight, eating properly and exercising.”
According to the American Diabetes Association, often times, women with diabetes viewed themselves as less attractive, less satisfied and less interested in sex. But don’t fret, if it’s too late for prevention, there are ways to get back in the saddle.
Try finding comfortable positions for sex, increasing strength through exercise, lube for dryness, focusing on what makes you attractive (you know your best qualities), and, for erectile dysfunction, there are pills, pumps and even surgery (all these should be discussed with a doctor) says the ADA.
Eat right, control glucose levels, exercise and discuss the effects of diabetes with your partner—so they know what’s going on, too. Don’t let diabetes sidetrack your sex life.
Glen Edward Mitchell has Type 2 Diabetes! And uses diet, weight control, and exercise to control his diabetes...
Any personal health questions or problems mental or physical or before starting any diet or exercise program.Please consult your physician !Wishing You Great Health!
Any questions? Ask Glen
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