Diabetes and Sex

The answer is a.

Practice safe sex in more ways than one. Sex is exercise, and it can get strenuous. Be sure to test your blood sugar before getting intimate. Yes, this may slow you down for a minute or two and make you feel less than spontaneous, but since nothing kills the moment like a sweaty, shaky low in the throes of passion, it’s worth it. Keep your supplies nearby in case you need them.

The answer is a.

While you may want to congratulate yourself, it’s most important to have a light snack, especially when it’s late and sleep is soon to come. Any workout—even the bedroom variety—could cause a delayed overnight low. And if you’re ready for round two, you’ll really need some sustenance first.

The answer is d.

Up to half of all men with diabetes experience erectile dysfunction (ED) at some point. Hypertension, neuropathy, and chronic hyperglycemia are all possible causes of diabetes-related ED. Many medications, including blood pressure drugs and antidepressants, can also affect male sexual performance. The good news is that ED is both treatable and preventable.

The answer is c.

Diabetes may cause depression, inadequate lubrication, and nerve damage—all potential causes of female sexual dysfunction. So are poor circulation, chronic diabetes-related vaginal infections, and hormonal fluctuations. Talk to your doctor or diabetes educator. Help is available.

The answer is b.

Vaginal dryness caused by neuropathy, and circulatory problems can make
penetration painful. A water-based lubricant like Astroglide or K-Y Jelly is the best choice for increasing comfort and making sex more pleasurable. Oil-based lubricants like Vaseline or body lotion can cause irritation and increase your chances of vaginal infection. They can also make latex condoms ineffective, since oil degrades the latex and encourages breakage

The answer is true.

Low testosterone levels are associated with both diabetes and decreased
sex drive. Men aged 45 and older who have diabetes may be more than twice as likely to have low testosterone levels. Low testosterone is also associated with depression. If you suffer from ED, ask your doctor about testing your testosterone levels—and treatment options.

The answer is b.

Black licorice contains approximately 73 grams of carbohydrate in a 100-
gram portion (equivalent to about 45 little square “bites”). The high carb count is due to the fact that the candy is generally made mostly from corn syrup. Any aphrodisiac effect from licorice would surely be due to authentic licorice root extract—which is only found in a small percentage of the licorice you can buy in the United States.

Dark chocolate—with all of its antioxidant and blood-pressure lowering benefits—comes in at 59 grams of carbs per 100 grams (equivalent to one large bar, or three servings). The same amount of papaya has only 10 grams of carbs, and is an excellent source of antioxidants, folate, and other disease-fighting plant chemicals.

Oysters, probably the most famous of edible aphrodisiacs, contain just
6 grams of carbs per 100-gram serving (about seven medium oysters). They are a true health food—very rich in the minerals iron, zinc, and selenium, not to mention those beneficial omega 3 fats we hear so much about. For romance and health, go for the mollusks!

The answer is a.

There’s no reason to put the brakes on sex if your pump disconnects. Unless you’re planning on a three-hour marathon session, you’ll be just fine until the afterglow.

In fact, you may want to disconnect completely during sex to avoid disconnection mishaps and getting tangled in tubing. Most pumps can be disconnected for 45 minutes to an hour.