Difficulties with sexual function can be problematic for both men and women with Type 2 diabetes. Researchers at the University of California in San Francisco and Kaiser Permanente Hospital in Oakland, United States, looked at sexual dysfunction in diabetic women so they could begin to understand it better.
This particular study, published in the journal Obstetrics and Gynecology in August 2012, included 2,270 women between the ages of 40 to 80. Of the total: 486 or 21.4 percent had diabetes, and 139 or 6.1 percent were taking diabetes medications.
the diabetics being treated with insulin had more than twice the likelihood of having sexual problems than the non-diabetic women.
the ladies with Type 2 diabetes but not on insulin had a 42 percent higher chance of having sexual problems than non-diabetic women.
The women with other diabetic complications, including:
heart and blood vessel disease,
strokes,
kidney disorder, and
peripheral neuropathy,
were more likely to have sexual problems than the ladies without these or similar complications.
From this information, it was concluded preventing the complications of Type 2 diabetes could be important for preserving normal sexual function.
The diabetic ladies being treated with insulin were likely to have had more difficulty controlling their Type 2 diabetes than the women who were treating their disease with diet and exercise alone and, as well, the diabetic ladies using insulin might have had their diabetes for a longer period of time. Longer time periods with higher blood sugar levels could have been responsible for the complications they experienced.
The list of complications associated with diabetes is unfortunately a long one, and the condition is an easy one to ignore, at least in its early stages. Follow a healthful diet and exercise plan to prevent complications, including those of female sexual problems.
Other causes of female sexual problems include various health conditions, medical procedures, and medications…
Health conditions include:
Sjogren’s syndrome, thyroid conditions, Sickle cell anemia, hormone deficiencies and damage to the spinal cord.
Parkinson’s disease and multiple sclerosis,
vaginitis, pelvic inflammatory disease, endometriosis, prolapsed uterus, and fibroids,
kidney failure, and
arthritis.
All of these health issues are on the list of health problems possibly leading to female sexual problems.
Medical procedures include:
removal of ovaries,
repair after childbirth,
colostomy, and
breast surgery.
Drugs include:
blood pressure medications,
pain medication, and
chemotherapy for cancer.
Women having sexual problems should have their problems investigated, and work hard to keep their blood sugar under control. Sexual problems are very common, and are often associated with Type 2 diabetes.