Diabetes Affects The Emotional And Physical Aspects Of Sex

I received so many good comments over at A Hearty Life yesterday, that I decided to write on the same topic right here today! And what is that topic you ask? Sex. Um-huh. That topic that all my patients whisper about. As if it is some big ol’ secret that after being married for years and years they are having, wait for it…. sex. None the less, it pertains to that ugly disease that we live with on a daily basis. Yes, diabetes!

I have written previously about common sexual issues and dysfunctions among both diabetic women and men, but wanted to touch on another aspect of the horizontal hokie pokie? How does sexual relations specifically affect your blood sugars and emotions during the act?

“Some women put out an adrenaline response when they are having sexual intercourse. This is similar to low blood sugar-a loss of control, sweating and an erratic heartbeat,” says Walko. Some women question if they are experiencing a hypoglycemic episode or an orgasm. She suggests women check their blood sugar levels before having sex to clear up any misinterpretations.

Does this mean you have to put the brakes on in the throws of passion and prick your finger? Heck no! But you need to be in tune to what changes could be occurring in your body. So go ahead and enjoy yourself! But know that you need to be cognitive of your bodies reaction. Another consideration to help combat low blood sugars after nookie time…

“…should adjust her insulin downward in anticipation of the evening, or if the evening happens to be on the spur of the moment, she should compensate by eating something afterward,”

Now, I don’t know about you but I certainly don’t plan for sex throughout the day. It is usually something spontaneous. Well as spontaneous as it can be with having to shut and lock the doors and barricade them so little feet don’t come charging in during the ol’ “together time”. That is another story though. But I do know on a personal level that my blood sugars drop after sex and I make sure a little kitchen run is part of our “basking in the glow” routine.

What is the most important aspect of sex and diabetes? Communication. Sex is something that we share with that special someone. How can we enjoy it if we can’t let our bodies go? We all know that sex is both physical and emotional. It is so important to allow your partner to have their concerns and worries, and no matter how trivial they are to you, remember they are very real to them!

via Diabetes Health