Don’t Be Shy! Diabetes and Intimacy

Diabetes and Intimacy

It can be uncomfortable to talk about it, but intimacy is sometimes dampened by diabetes. My friend and colleague Janis Roszler, LMFT, RD, LD/N, CDE, FAND is both a certified diabetes educator and a licensed marriage and family therapist. I interviewed her as part of my series for Diabetes Month.

Jill: You co-authored Sex and Diabetes: For Him and For Her. Does diabetes really affect sexual relations?

Janis: Yes, diabetes can affect all areas of a person’s life, including Janis Roszlerintimacy. Men who don’t manage their diabetes well have a higher risk of developing erectile dysfunction. Women with diabetes may experience vaginal dryness, pain during intercourse, orgasm challenges and urinary tract infections that interfere with sexual activity. Both men and women can have diabetes-related emotional issues, such as depression, that impact their desire to engage in intimacy with their partners.

Jill: Tell us more about the emotional impact of diabetes and how that affects romance and intimacy.

Janis: Romance is best when both individuals feel good about themselves. Some people with diabetes don’t feel very positive about their bodies or themselves; some weigh more than they wish or feel self-conscious about injection marks from their medicines. Others don’t feel very romantic about wearing an insulin pump or feel that having a chronic medical issue makes them defective in some way.

I’ve interviewed many people who have dated individuals with diabetes. Most looked to the person with diabetes to see how to perceive their medical issues. If you are relaxed about checking your blood, taking an injection or blousing with an insulin pump, your intimate partner is likely to be more relaxed about that also. If you are a nervous wreck about these actions, your partner is likely to worry and be uncomfortable. So, find a way to be comfortable with yourself first – your feelings can be contagious!

Jill: People are often hesitant to ask for help. How can someone with diabetes get support from family members and friends?

Janis: Don’t be shy. Those around you probably want to help, but don’t know what you need. Be specific. If you need a ride somewhere, tell them. If you need help with food preparation, say so. To help make “the ask” easier, role play with that person. Ask: “If I want you to help me with my diabetes, what should I say?” Then use those exact words. Remember, asking for help doesn’t mean that you are weak or incapable. You are building a team of support that works both ways – you can also help them when they need assistance.

Don't be shy. Ask for help if you need it -Janis Roszler. @dearjanice Click To Tweet

Don’t be shy. Ask for help if you need it-Janis Roszler

Jill: I know that you’re very busy, but still value a healthful meal (yay!). Please share a diabetes-friendly, heart-healthy meal that you like and can put together quickly.

Janis: I like to serve baked salmon and Israeli salad with warmed whole grain pita.
I bake the salmon with olive oil, salt, pepper, thyme and fresh lemon juice. The Israeli salad is made with diced vine-ripened tomatoes, cucumbers and onions, tossed with olive oil, lemon juice and salt. I cut store-bought pita into pieces and warm them in the oven. Use the pita to soak up the dressing from the salad. If desired, you can also serve a small amount of hummus on the side. A small piece of fresh fruit or handful of grapes completes the meal!

For more great advice from Janis, follow her on Twitter.

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Jill Weisenberger

I'm Jill, and I believe simple changes in your mindset and health habits can bring life-changing rewards. And I don't believe in willpower. It's waaaay overrated. As a food-loving registered dietitian nutritionist, certified diabetes care and education specialist and certified health and wellness coach, I've helped thousands of people solve their food and nutrition problems. If you're looking for a better way to master this whole healthy eating/healthy living thing or if you're trying to prevent or manage diabetes or heart problems, you'll find plenty of resources right here.

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1 Comment

  1. dnMfEJ on July 14, 2017 at 6:52 am

    very nice post, i definitely adore this web site, keep on it

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Welcome to my Blog

Hi there! I'm Jill, a nutrition & diabetes expert and the author of 4 books.

Jill Weisenberger

I believe simple changes in health habits can bring you life-changing rewards.

And I believe willpower is way overrated.

Right here is where you can discover the mindset and habits to stick with healthy lifestyle choices most of the time - and drop the guilt when you don't.

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