There are many complications and side effects related to diabetes. From blood sugar spikes, to changes in vision and delayed healing after an injury, diabetes can really impede on your health. But there is another aspect of health that many people don’t think relates to diabetes: sex.
Believe it or not, diabetes can greatly affect a person’s libido and sex-drive, although people often just blame their lack of sex-drive on aging. Changes in blood sugar can actually have a large impact on intimacy, sending it straight into a nosedive. Diabetes can increase complications that can make having sex much more challenging (in comparison to those who do not have diabetes). But don’t feel discouraged – where there’s a will, there’s a way, and we have some effective tips which will have you and your partner reconnecting once again.
How to boost libido if you’re diabetic
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Eat the right foods: If you’re diabetic, you obviously know by now what you should and should not be eating as it can take a toll on your blood sugar. But what you may not know is that there are foods out there that can boost libido without spiking blood sugar!
The libido-enhancing mineral is called zinc; if you’ve heard that oysters are an aphrodisiac, it’s because they contain high levels of zinc. Zinc can also be found in red meat, crab and cashews. Better yet, these zinc-rich foods won’t send your blood sugar soaring.
Control glucose levels: Of course, you are told that you need to control your glucose levels if you’re diabetic, but you should also control glucose if you want to improve your libido. Keeping blood sugar in normal range protects blood vessels and prevents nerve damage. Our sexual organs contain many nerves, but if they are damaged we can lose the ability to feel sensations.
Sleep: It may seem counter-productive to suggest sleep when we are promoting an activity that keeps you awake, but sleep plays an important role, not only for general health, but to boost libido as well. Getting adequate sleep, especially if you’re diabetic, could be a challenge, but sleep has been shown to help better control blood sugar levels. If you are having trouble sleeping, try reducing stress, avoiding caffeine or stop watching TV close to bedtime. If you’re concerned that there is a more serious sleep condition at hand, speak with your doctor to get tested.
Exercise: Not only is exercise incredibly important for blood sugar control, losing weight and overall improved health, but it’s necessary for diabetics wishing to boost their libido again. Your fitness level doesn’t matter because exercise can be gentle like yoga or strenuous like running – the trick is to find something you enjoy.
Exercise boosts circulation which is necessary for sex. The more circulation you have, the better your necessary parts will work when it comes down to the situation. As mentioned, you will not only receive the benefit of better sex, but you can also experience improved control over your diabetes.
If you have diabetes, you may be faced with many challenges but not being intimate doesn’t have to be one of them. These tips can help boost your libido and get you reconnected with your partner.
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Source:
http://www.prevention.com/health/diabetes/type-2-diabetes-and-sex
