Link between diabetes and sex-drive

Researchers have long known that diabetes causes sexual dysfunction in men: if they can’t salute, they can’t enjoy that parade. But scientists didn’t know if diabetes made sex less pleasurable for women. Now a study reveals that while women with diabetes are just as enthusiastic about intimate relationships as those without it, they have far greater trouble with lubrication, orgasm and feeling happy about sex. The difficulties come from problems with circulation and nerves, side effects of medications and related complications such as kidney disease. If you have diabetes or pre-diabetes, you can protect or revive your enjoyment of intimacy. Here’s how:

1. Overweight? Losing 10 per cent of body weight lowers insulin resistance. That’ll put some bounce in your step.

2. Follow your prescribed treatment plan — between 35 per cent and 85 per cent of people with type 2 diabetes don’t take their meds or follow diet or activity recommendations.

3. Increased physical activity with walking and/or using stretch bands for arms and legs. Ditch the five food felons: added sugars, sugar syrups, saturated and trans fats, and any grain that isn’t 100 per cent whole.

4. De-stress with meditation and progressive relaxation.

Then grab your sweetie and cuddle to get back in touch with touching.