diabetes and sex

[concerned0203]

My fiancee was diagnosed with type 1 diabetes about 6 months ago. It seemed as if he lost his sex drive... he says it's not that he doesn't want it. He doesn't have a problem getting an erection either. Thats the only problem in our relationship, everything else, emotional is all perfect. We are completely in love. He is taking insulin and his blood sugars are being controlled, however he still hasn't gottan much of a sex drive back. What is it he is doing wrong? We do not feel comfortable seeind his doctor, as he is a family friend, so any advice is appreciated. Thanks.

[zimerman]

i was found as a diabetic last month and i
read in www.online-sexual-health.com that i should call a doctor before using Viagra.
we don't have lots of doctors in Uganda what should i do ????
i understand that Viagra is forbidden for diabetics...what pill is good for the problem Viagra is fixing ????
thanks
Robert

[Type 1 Diabetic]

I would also recommend finding a doctor he can talk to.  Or talking to some medical professional.  I have had Type 1 Diabetes for 27 years, but, I am a woman.  I have read articles over the years about this problem for men, but, I don't understand it.  In the back of most of my Diabetes Forecast magazines there are tools for Diabetic men who have had some type of sexual problem due to diabetes.  Again, being a woman, I don't know what they are for, I just know they are always there and I have seen articles about it.

The point is, if he discusses it with his doctor, there will be no shock to the doctor.  And, it may be simple to work through with the right information.  The key is finding a doctor he can ask.

Good luck with this.  I think it's great that you are supporting him by looking for answers.

[TonyAlmeida]

Nothing he is doing is wrong, from what you wrote.

Diabetes, in and of itself, is a tiring chronic condition.  Although it's redundant cycle of maintenance (the finger sticks, blood testing, insulin injections, carbo counting) become routine over time, it can and does wear on your mind.

Since this is still early (he hasn't made the 1 year mark yet) - there are a lot of things going on and until the dust settles down, he may not be ready to get totally back in the saddle again.  With Diabetes, your body is thrown out of whack. When you start managing Diabetes properly, it takes your body time to get back to something close to normal.  And that includes Sex Drive (hormones).  It's not like "take some insulin, get back to normal" ... How much time does it take?  Varies from person to person.

Also - beware of depression and burn out.  Kills sex drive fast.  Depresion doesn't necessarily mean crying fits or balling up a corner of a room.  It can also manifest itself in sudden or gradual lack of interest in things.  At first, many Diabetics get real positive about management. Close monitoring, careful eating, doing things by the book to get that "100" on the BG meter when they test.  That lasts about 4 months.  Then reality starts to really sink in - the realization that you have to do this "forever" and although everyone talks about finding a cure, it still doesn't exist and may not exist in your lifetime.

[JDRF-Team-wak]

I am not a physican, but the mom of a type diabetic.  I would suggest that if you cannot talk to your doctor to find another doctor that you would feel comfortable with.  I would also suggest that you contact our JDRF on line diabetes support team (ODST).  There they send your question to someone who will answer you one on one.

Go to WWW.JDRF.ORG

Then under the section Newly diagnosed there is a link  for  On line diabetes Team.
you do not have to be newly diagnosed to submit a question.

I can tell you a lot a people I know have  have reduce sex drive prior to the weddings due to stress, however I would still have this checked out by a medical professional.


Sorry I could not be of more help.