CHAPTER 23 · GROWING UP WITH DIABETES

RELATIONSHIPS & SEXUAL HEALTH

What’s worth knowing when you have diabetes — to stay healthy and informed.

Being in a relationship and becoming intimate is a part of growing up. If you have diabetes, there are a few extra things to keep in mind to stay safe and healthy.

Contraceptives and protection

Two reasons it matters more than usual.

💊 Use contraceptives and condoms

For your health and safety — prevents sexually transmitted diseases that can cause serious or long-term problems like infertility
To avoid unplanned pregnancies — teens with diabetes have a higher risk of pregnancy complications

Sex and blood sugar

A few things worth knowing before and during.

🏃 Sex as physical activity

Because it’s a form of physical activity, sex may lower blood sugar levels

✅ To stay safe

Have a snack before sex
Check your blood sugar levels when you can

Possible sexual health issues

These issues can happen to anyone — with or without diabetes — and it’s often hard to tell what’s causing them. The good news: if anything comes up, treatments are available.

👨 Men

Decrease in sexual desire
Erectile dysfunction (not being able to get or keep an erection long enough for sexual intercourse)

👩 Women

Vaginal dryness
Decrease in sexual desire
Trouble reaching an orgasm
Yeast infection

Talking to your doctor

💬 It’s okay to ask

If you notice any sexual health problems — whether listed here or not — don’t feel embarrassed to talk to your doctor. Doctors hear about these issues all the time, and you won’t be the first to ask. Most importantly, treatments are available to help.

Before you go — this chapter is for general information and isn’t medical advice. Your medical team knows you best, so always check with them about your own targets, treatment, and any changes to your routine.