Sometimes, being clever pays off. 🙂 We’re thrilled by the response to our Barbie-themed podcast on “Love and Intimacy with Diabetes” with ‘Sweet Romance‘ Co-Authors Janis Roszler LMFT, RD, LD/N, CDE, FAND, PhD and Donna Rice RN, PhD, CCNE, CNE, which has become a summer YouTube hit.
I approached my friends, highly credentialed educators Janis and Donna, with an idea to discuss sex, sexual dysfunction, and diabetes using Barbie and Ken. Since Barbie and Ken aren’t equipped to have sex, talking about the sexual dysfunction issues that stop us from intimacy made sense to me.
The good news is that Donna and Janis willingly agreed to play along, and people from around the globe have been tuning into our conversation, which is packed with good advice and tips.
We’ve gained 100+ views on YouTube over the last month and hundreds on Blog Talk Radio, Spotify, and iTunes!! I’m happy we can offer free advice on a sensitive topic in an entertaining way.
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Romantic relationships play an essential role in our everyday lives. But when diabetes enters the picture, it can complicate even the most loving and open relationships. Many people don’t know that diabetes can impact physical and emotional intimacy. Intimacy-related issues can be complicated to discuss with a partner or a healthcare collaborator. But don’t let diabetes hinder the romance.
The Sweet Romanceseries provides practical information and expert advice on this sensitive subject. These comprehensive, interactive guides cover everything you need to know to enjoy a fulfilling sexual and emotional life despite the challenges of diabetes.
For the past 64 years. Barbie has been a part of our lives, a cultural touchstone, or the quintessential image of what a woman should be but never will be – a sex or beauty object.
Greta Gerwig’s big screen makeover and the related marketing blitz are making us revisit and reevaluate Barbie’s impact on our lives, including our sex lives. After all, if Barbie and Ken are confused about what to do at sleepovers, you might be too, especially if you’re dealing with sexual health issues related to diabetes.
Diabetes is one of the most common chronic diseases in nearly all countries. People with diabetes experience sexual dysfunction more often than the general public. Podcast guests: Dr. Janis Roszler PhD, LMFT, RDN, LD/N, CDCES, FAND, and Donna Rice, MBA, BSN, RN, CDCES, FADCES, the co-authors of Divabetic’s new e-book, Sweet Romance: A Woman’s Guide to Love and Intimacy with Diabetes, available on Amazon.
The common physical and emotional sexual complications of diabetes and treatment options for men and women. An overview of diabetes nutrition, physical activity, weight loss, and diabetes medications Information on how aging impacts diabetes management and intimacy. Guidance on how to talk to your healthcare provider about intimacy-related issues. Ideas and techniques for building sexual intimacy and communicating effectively with your partner. Tips to help you avoid dangerous or money-wasting fraudulent sexual treatments.
Authors Dr. Janis Roszler and Donna Rice use humor, helpful examples, and insightful questions to present key topics about sexual health in an engaging, approachable way. This series is perfect for anyone (regardless of gender, sexual orientation, age, or health status) looking to rekindle intimacy with their partner or be proactive about their sexual and emotional well-being. In. Bed With Barbie & Ken Podcast Music by Doug Clay.
Romantic relationships play an important role in our everyday lives. But when diabetes enters the picture, it can complicate even the most loving and open relationships.
Many people don’t know that diabetes can impact physical and emotional intimacy. And intimacy-related issues can be especially difficult to discuss with a partner or a health care provider.
But don’t let diabetes hinder the romance. Divabetic’s Sweet Romance series gives you practical information and expert advice to tackle this sensitive subject. These comprehensive, interactive guides cover everything you need to know to enjoy a fulfilling sexual and emotional life despite the challenges of diabetes.
The common physical and emotional sexual complications of diabetes and treatment options for men and women
An overview of diabetes nutrition, physical activity, weight loss, and diabetes medications
Information on how aging impacts diabetes management and intimacy
Guidance on how to talk to your health care provider about intimacy-related issues
Ideas and techniques for building sexual intimacy and communicating effectively with your partner
Tips to help you avoid dangerous or money-wasting fraudulent sexual treatments
Authors Dr. Janis Roszler PhD, LMFT, RDN, LD/N, CDCES, FAND, and Donna Rice, MBA, BSN, RN, CDCES, FADCES, use humor, helpful examples, and insightful questions to present key topics about sexual health in an engaging, approachable way. This series is perfect for anyone (regardless of gender, sexual orientation, age, or health status) looking to rekindle intimacy with their partner or be proactive about their sexual and emotional well-being.
Last night I took my mother to see the new film Book Club: The Next Chapter, starring Jane Fonda (85), Candice Bergen (77), Diane Keaton (77), and Mary Steenburgen (70).
I had no idea walking into the theater that this film would resolve any lingering doubts I have about publishing the soon-to-be-released Divabetic’s ebook about intimacy and diabetes for women entitled Sweet Romance: A Woman’s Guide To Love & Intimacy With Diabetes by two leading experts, Janis Roszler MS, RD, LD/N, CDCES, FAND and Donna Rice MBA, BSN, RN, CDCES, FAADE. Hollywood’s crude depiction of older women only fueled my desire to provide accurate, honest, and friendly help about this important topic for women with diabetes.
I enjoyed the first film and looked forward to seeing the sequel. The new movie follows the journey of four best friends as they take their book club to Italy for the fun girls’ trip they never had. But it wasn’t as good as the first film.
After the movie, we went to a piano bar for dinner. There was a group of eight older women at a nearby table. None of these women resembled the four women we saw on screen. On top of being several dress sizes smaller than the group of piano bar women, the four movie stars were crude, constantly drinking alcohol, and seemed only interested in talking or having sex.
The film’s depiction of older women could have been more realistic. What I hoped would be an empowering big-screen event for a female ensemble cast whose average age is 77 is sadly a letdown. Plus, they barely discussed any books. What made the first film so much fun was seeing these four women find ease and comfort in talking about and experiencing intimacy after reading 50 Shades Of Grey.
The Nex Chapter’s plot focuses on eternally single Vivian (Fonda) getting married, and her best pals Diane (Keaton), Sharon (Bergen), and Carol (Steenburgen) take her on a bachelorette trip to Rome, Venice, where hijinks ensue. The trip’s inspiration comes from 1988’s mystical self-help parable, the Alchemist. The movie’s plot hinges on the book’s central theme of fate versus taking control of your destiny.
Unfortunately, Hollywood thinks America’s idea of entertainment is seeing old ladies misbehaving or talking dirty. This is why I feel it’s essential to publish our book and help women of a certain age living with diabetes get honest advice about sexual health issues.
Jane Fonda’s roles lately are all crude women with filthy mouths, just like Diane Keaton’s characters are all as cooky as her wardrobe on and off-screen.
Her dialogue consists of double-entendres such as, ‘Give him his credit, he’s 2,000 years old, and he’s still hard as a rock,’ when she looks at a Roman statue.
In reality, men with diabetes are three times more likely to have erectile dysfunction (ED). Getting older doesn’t cause ED, but it does increase your chance of getting it. It would have been interesting to see her character, Vivian, find creative solutions to coping with her lover, Don Johnson’s issues if he had ED in the bedroom.
As an older actress, she seems determined to show people that women over a certain age are still sexually active singlehandedly. Her film roles, Book Club, Book Club: The Next Chapter, and 80 For Brady, seem to exist for this sole purpose. I admire her work in the TV series Grace and Frankie for how she and her co-star, Lily Tomlin, handle this subject.
But on the big screen, Jane Fonda’s characters miss the mark. Candice Bergen, whose face and shape are the most realistic depiction of actual older women, seems unconvincingly comfortable having a one-night stand in a Venetian gondola.
On the one hand, I want to say, “Good for her,” but on the other hand, I want to point out how unrealistic and irresponsible this scene is. For one thing, there’s no mention of condoms. As a gay man living in San Francisco during the height of the AIDS crisis, I was constantly told by friends and strangers to use protection. Sadly, people who gave me the advice seem to not heed it for themselves.
Statistics published in 2018 by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) have shown that the number of new HIV infections is growing faster in individuals over 50 than in people 40 years and under,and HIV may be the tip of the iceberg.
Older Women and Sexually Transmitted Diseases (STDs)
The aging process also puts older adults at greater risk for STDs. The immune system declines as people age, making them more susceptible to infectious diseases.
After menopause, women’s vaginal tissues thin, and natural lubrication decreases. This can increase the risk of micro-tears and sexual transmission of certain diseases such as HIV/AIDS.
Secondly, the lack of natural lubrication, often called ‘vaginal dryness’ in older women, is common. This is especially true for women with diabetes. If you’re experiencing vaginal dryness, then sex will be painful, regardless if you’re in a bed or on a gondola.
Hollywood’s constant stream of unrealistic portrayals of real-life older women is more reason for accurate, friendly information about intimacy for women with diabetes. Hopefully, when it’s available, you will download a copy of Divabetic’s upcoming ebook, Sweet Romance, on Amazon.
Can’t wait for the book to come out? Need advice now?
Tune in to this Divabetic podcast; Mr. Divabetic explores issues of love, intimacy, and diabetes on this special one-hour podcast. Both type 1 and type 2 diabetes can lead to sexual health complications, including vaginal dryness, sensation, and performance. Up to 50% of men and 25% of women may experience some sexual problem or a loss of sex drive.
Don’t equate sexual performance with love or a fulfilling relationship; focus on letting your partner know you care and want to give pleasure as part of your relationship.
Mr. Divabetic’s Guests include Best-Selling Author Lisa Eugene, Jennifer Martsolf from Trigg Laboratories (the makers of Wet Lubricants), and Janis Roszler MS, RD, LD/N, CDCES, FAND (2008-2009 Diabetes Educator of the Year (AADE).
Suppose you or your partner is experiencing sexual difficulties. In that case, you may find it helpful to meet with a mental health professional, such as a psychiatrist, psychologist, social worker, marriage counselor, or sex therapist. These professionals can help you learn how to reduce stress and change behaviors and attitudes, mainly when impotence is caused by stress or other mental health issues.
GLAM MORE FEAR LESS: Join Divabetic’s growing Facebook and Twitter communities. We’re celebrating almost 20 years of presenting diabetes educational outreach that dazzles!
Divabetic (Divabetic.org) presents a month-long showcase celebrating 10 years of diabetes podcasting. Each of the featured podcasts spotlights our favorite guests, topics, poems, games and/or musical inspiration. Enjoy!
Mr. Divabetic explores issues of love, intimacy and diabetes on this special one hour podcast.Both type 1 and type 2 diabetes can lead to sexual health complications including vaginal dryness, sensation and performance. Up to 50% of men and 25% of women may experience some kind of sexual problem or a loss of sex drive.
Don’t equate sexual performance with love or a fulfilling relationship; focus on letting your partner know you care and want to give pleasure as part of your relationship
Mr. Divabetic’s Guests include Best-Selling Author Lisa Eugene, Jennifer Martsolf from Trigg Laboratories (the makers of Wet Lubricants) and Janis Roszler MS, RD, LD/N, CDE, FAND (2008-2009 Diabetes Educator of the Year (AADE).
If you or your partner is experiencing sexual difficulties, you may find it helpful to meet with a mental health professional, such as a psychiatrist, psychologist, social worker, marriage counselor or sex therapist. These professionals can help you learn how to reduce stress and change behaviors and attitudes, particularly when impotence is caused by stress or other mental health issues.
Our monthly podcasts are dedicated to Music Lovers living with, at risk and/or affected by diabetes. We aim to be the epicenter of the circle of care, a link between patients and their health care providers, a translator of clinical speak and a bridge between denial and acceptance, fear and confidence
Divabetic was inspired by the late music legend, Luther Vandross and created in 2005 by Max ‘Mr. Divabetic’ Szadek, who, as Vandross’ assistant of 14 years, witnessed his boss, mentor, and friend struggle in silence and solitude with the diabetes and its related complications. Since its inception, Divabetic has presented outreach programs in 15 major U.S. cities, reaching hundreds of thousands of women, their families and health care professionals.
Experience more of our GLAM MORE, FEAR LESS philosophy at divabetic.org
If it’s not great – chances are you could be dealing with sexual health issues related to diabetes, especially if you’re a man.
Recent statistics estimate 1 in 5 men who are 20 years and older have severe Erectile Dysfuction (ED), and another 25 percent have moderate ED.
Erectile dysfunction— the inability to get or maintain an erection firm enough for sex — is common in men who have diabetes, especially those with type 2 diabetes. It can stem from damage to nerves and blood vessels caused by poor long-term blood sugar control.
Poorly managed diabetes can lead to erectile dysfunction due to its effects on the bloodstream which can damage the blood supply to the penis and the nerves that control an erection.
Erectile dysfunction can also be linked to other conditions common in men with diabetes, such as high blood pressure and heart disease. Erectile dysfunction might occur earlier in men with diabetes than in men without the disease. Difficulty maintaining an erection might even precede the diabetes diagnosis.
Having erectile dysfunction can be a real challenge. It can leave you and your partner feeling frustrated and discouraged. Take steps to cope with erectile dysfunction — and get your sex life back on track.
In case you’re wondering … a large percentage of men with diabetes and erectile dysfunction who do not respond to Viagra.
Erectile Dysfunction doesn’t have to hamper your love life. With a little creativity and communication, couples can enjoy intimacy and sex even when dealing with erectile problems.
Divabetic (divabetic.org) is committed to raising awareness for the sexual health issues related to both men and women living with diabetes. Our friends at 5=10 Underwearare donating a % of their sales to Divabetic. Your support will help fund ongoing diabetes outreach programming focused on the link between Erectile Dysfunction & Diabetes. BUY NOW
Don’t miss Diabetes Late Nite on Tuesday, December 4, 2018, 6 – 7:30 PM, EST. Guests include Poet Lorraine Brooks, Kathy Gold RN, MSN, CDE, FAADE, Glucose Delivery Necklace co-creator Kris Maynard, Dr. Sara (Mandy) Reece, PharmD, CDE, BC=ADM, BCACP, FAADE, Maria Sakowitz, MS, RDN, LDN, CLT, Type 2 Diabetes What To Know FB Community moderator Nick Zevgolis, Mama Rose Marie and the Charlie’s Angels of Outreach. Throughout the podcast we will be playing music from Kelly Clarkson’s “Wrapped In Red”courtesy of SONY Music. TUNE IN
Check out the latest headlines in diabetes, diabetes self-management, healthy lifestyles and diva entertainment that we think you should know about.
Miami Activist and Writer, Alexandra Noghaven Dies of Food Poisoning While Trying to See the World Before Losing her Sight
Diagnosed with Type 1 diabetes when she was nine years old and at the age of 22, Noghaven was in a race against time after doctors said the activist would likely go blind in 10 years. Her mother, Anne Jackaway received a call from the US Embassy informing her that her daughter had passed away he night before. She believes the food poisoning ‘probably sent her blood sugars out of whack so she didn’t realize her vulnerability falling asleep’. READ MORE
Talking About Sex Is Great, But HOW You Talk About Sex Is What Really Matters
When individuals and couples have problems in the bedroom, it impacts other areas of their lives. “I once met with a couple to discuss how to manage the husband’s diabetes better. We talked about meal planning, label reading, exercise, medication dosing, and more,” writes Janis Roszler, LMFT, RD, LD/N, CDE, FAND. “Later, I learned that he had erectile dysfunction (ED). She was angry and hurt. She assumed that his performance problems meant that he was no longer attracted to her.” READ MORE
Taylor Swift Goes to a Darker Place on New Album, ‘Reputation’
Singer Taylor Swift didn’t just release a new single this week; she kicked off a meticulous campaign to get die-hard fans involved in the collective experience of buying things from Taylor Swift.
When Swift dropped “Look What You Made Me Do” at midnight on August 24, another video appeared on her YouTube page to announce a new partnership between the singer and Ticketmaster in preparation for the tour she’ll embark on in support of her upcoming album Reputation, which will be available November 10. The basic idea is, as the peppy voiceover declares, to “beat the bots” to the business of buying the best seats, an ongoing frustration for fans of Swift and/or anyone else who routinely sells out shows. READ MORE
Hurricane Harvey: Diabetes Tips to Be Prepared for the Storm
Hurricane Harvey is heading toward Texas and is set to make landfall late Friday night or early Saturday morning — meaning that people with diabetes should take preventative measures now.
The American Diabetes Association recommends storing three days worth of diabetes supplies, which, depending on how you take care of your diabetes, could include oral medication, insulin, insulin delivery supplies, lancets, extra batteries for your meter and/or pump, and a quick-acting source of glucose. You may also want to have an extra glucagon emergency kit. All these items should be kept in an easy-to-identify container, and stored in a location that is easy to get to in an emergency. READ MORE
Amazon Says Whole Food Prices Will Drop Prices
Amazon is cutting the prices of bananas, butter, organic eggs, and other best-selling staples at Whole Foods’ 470 stores, promising customers lower costs and targeting the grocer’s “Whole Paycheck” nickname. The online giant also says its Amazon Prime members will get special prices and perks according to npr.org.
New prices will take effect on Monday, August 28, 2017 — the same day Amazon says it will finalize its $13.7 billion acquisition of Whole Foods. The online marketplace, famous for disrupting the book industry and other retail segments, also laid out its plans for combining its business with an established brick-and-mortar chain. READ MORE
Dr. Phil Could have Ended up Weighing 500 Pounds.
“I’m the only one in my family who’s not morbidly obese,” says the top TV talk show host. “I have two nephews who are over 500 pounds, I’ve got aunts that died in their 40s from being hugely obese.” His father died of heart complications from obesity, and diabetes is a huge problem for both sides of his family. READ MORE
Luther Vandross Tribute Podcast
We’re honored to celebrate Luther Vandross and his musical legacy as well as raise awareness for diabetes health-related complications (such as stroke) on our annual Luther Vandross Tribute podcast. Featured guests include Patricia Addie-Gentle RN, CDE, Luther percussionist Steve Kroon, Luther vocalists Tawatha Agee and Pat Lacy, Luther historian Leon Petrossian, members of ‘The Luther Re-Lives Experience’, family members, friends and superfans. Throughout the podcast we will be featuring selected songs from the album entitled ‘Luther Vandross’ courtesy of SONY Music. LISTEN NOW
Missed opportunities in movies and books for raising awareness for diabetes really annoy me. The only thing worse in my opinion is perpetuating a diabetes misconception which happens to be the case in The New York Times bestselling author Mary Kay Andrew’s novel, ‘Spring Fever’.
The author describes the book as “… delicious new escapist novel about small towns, old flames, and deep secrets” on her website.
Sadly, I feel she drops the ball on educating people about diabetes in ‘Spring Fever’ like she did previously in her novel, ‘The Weekenders’.
Although diabetes doesn’t play a prominent role in ‘Spring Fever’, she still manages to play down the significance of diabetes. The line in question: “… And I lose my health care, Annajane. I have sugar diabetes….” Really? ‘Sugar Diabetes’!!!! It’s 2017 not 1957. Okay, somepeople may still use phrases like ‘a touch of sugar’ to describe diabetes but is it really necessary to use these types of references in books and fan the flames of ignorance?I don’t think so. After twelve years of working as a diabetes advocate I have come to realize that one of the biggest mistakes someone with diabetes and their loved ones can make is to think that this disease is not serious.
I know personally that diabetes really can destroy your life, wreck havoc on your relationships and steal your dignity.I experienced it first hand when my former boss, Luther Vandross suffered a stroke related to type 2 diabetes in 2003. At the time I had no idea that diabetes could be so devestating. The fact that Luther could not perform some of the most basic life functions after his stroke without assistance was heartbreaking. The fact that diabetes silenced his voice is unforgettable. But the fact that a growing number of Luther fans are experiencing diabetes health-related complications such as stroke, amputation, blindness and kidney failure is unforgivable.
Diabetes is a serious matter. When a Best-Selling Author with more than eleven New York Times, USA Today and Publisher’s Weekly bestsellers published in German, Italian, Polish, Slovenian, Hungarian, Dutch, Czech and Japanese chooses to perpetuate ignorance about diabetes and diabetes self-care in her books I get upset. It seems to me that she managed to do enough medical research during the writing process to learn that certain medications can affect the effectiveness of birth control, didn’t she? So why can’t she do the same for diabetes?
On the flip side I appreciate how “Spring Fever’ helps readers gain a deeper understanding one of the ‘taboo’ topics related to health. Specifically, erectile dysfunction and the toll it can take on your relationship(s).
It’s interesting to note that researchers analyzed 6.2 million health insurance claims for men who received an ED diagnosis, and discovered that only 25 percent filled a prescription for treatment during the 12-month study period. Whatever the reason for avoiding treatment, the consequence is undisputed: “Sexual health is an important aspect of the quality of a man’s life—and men live longer when they are sexually active,” says Dr. McVary. “This is a medical disease that warrants treatment.”
On July’s Diabetes Late Nite podcast I discussed this topic with Janis Rozsler MSFT, RD, LD/N, CDE, FAND who is a Marriage and Family Therapist as well as a Fellow of the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics.
Janis Rozler is also the author oftwo wonderful books, ’Sex And Diabetes’ (ADA, 2007), and ‘The Secrets and Loving with Diabetes’ (Surrey Books, 2004). You can hear my interview by clicking on THE LINK.
I would gladly welcome the author, Mary Kay Andrews as a guest on an upcoming Diabetes Late Nite podcast to explain why she chooses to misinform her readers about diabetes. (Divabetic.org)
Our ‘Spaghetti Westerns’ theme for our Divabetic Father’s Day Celebration hopes to shed light on one of the more common, but often not discussed, diabetes health-related complications for men: Erectile dysfunction (ED).
Erectile dysfunction (ED) — the inability to get or maintain an erection firm enough for sex — is common in men who have diabetes. It can stem from problems caused by poor long-term blood sugar control, which damages nerves and blood vessels.
Does the man in your life keep quiet about having trouble getting an erection, keeping an erection and/or shooting blanks?
If so, then maybe the title of one of the most popular Spaghetti Western films: ‘The Great Silence’ accurately sums up what’s happening in your bedroom.
In the film, a mute gunfighter defends a young widow and a group of outlaws against a gang of bounty killers in the winter of 1898, and a grim, tense struggle unfolds.
More to the point, 95% percent of men are ‘mute’ about discussing erectile dysfunction. A national telephone survey of 502 American men age 18 or older, which was undertaken as part of the Cleveland Clinic’s “MENtion”it campaign (2016) found only 5% of men discuss erectile dysfunction (ED) with their male friends, and only 3% mention urinary tract issues.
One-fifth of men (22 percent) do not discuss private topics such as health or relationships with anyone. Baby Boomers are especially private in this regard, with only one-third having more than one person they feel comfortable sharing such information with, compared to 47 percent of Millennials.
Why is ‘The Great Silence’ About ‘ED” Still Going On Today?
In therapy, many issues are covered, but sex may still be an uncomfortable topic for many people and even therapists to talk about. Yet many people with diabetes have sexual issues that need to be resolved in order for life to be the most fulfilling that it can be.
“Once ED occurs, the man can start to become very anxious about it happening again”, says, Dr. Laura Berman, a sex educator and relationship therapist. “Ironically, this can make ED more likely to occur, and it can also complicate his relationship with his partner…. Meanwhile, his partner might have no idea what’s going on and be very concerned and even angry.”
I reached out to one of my favorite certified diabetes educators, Author Janis Roszler, LMFT, RD, LD/N, CDE, FAND, who also just happens to be a family therapist (!), to share some tips to help men open up about E.D:
You are not alone.ED is a very common problem that affects more than 39 million men in the United States.You are not the first man to bring up the topic with your doctor, and won’t be the last!
There is a treatment for almost every man who has E.D.If you tried oral medications and they didn’t help, don’t give up.You have a lot of options.
You deserve a good sex life.Don’t assume that having E.D. is the way things must be from now on.For most men, intimacy is very important for their mental and physical health.Don’t give up!
If you feel uncomfortable about the topic, tell your healthcare provider that you have something very personal to discuss.Hopefully, your doctor, nurse or other expert will get the hint and open the discussion for you.
What you Can Do If Your Suffering from ED!
Keep your blood glucose level under control to prevent urological and other diabetes-related problems. Medications, exercise, and a proper diet can help you manage your blood sugar levels.
Conditions like diabetes or heart disease can lead to emotional problems, including anxiety or depression. These can worsen your ED and other aspects of your health. Talk to your doctor if you start to experience feelings of hopelessness, sadness, anxiety, or worry.
Few things can take the wind out of your man’s sails quite like learning that he’s shooting blanks. But that’s the reality for more guys than many people realize.“Infertility affects one out of 10 couples,” says Darius Paduch, M.D., Ph.D., director of sexual health and medicine at Weill Cornell Medical College. “And in 30 percent of those cases, men will be the main reason.”Don’t be afraid to talk with your doctor if you have a problem that affects your sex life. He or she may be able to suggest a treatment. For example, the most common sexual difficulty of women with diabetes is painful intercourse caused by vaginal dryness. Your doctor or a pharmacist can suggest over-the-counter vaginal lubricants or moisturizers to use. Water-based lubricants are helpful when needed to make sex more comfortable. Moisturizers are used on a regular basis, every 2 or 3 days. Or, your doctor might suggest a form of vaginal estrogen.Physical problems can change your sex life as you get older. But, you and your partner may discover you have a new closeness. Talk to your partner about your needs. You may find that affection—hugging, kissing, touching, and spending time together—can make a good beginning.What is Male Infertility?Male infertility means you can’t get your partner pregnant. It often results from low production of sperm, called oligospermia, or from complete absence of sperm in your ejaculate, called azoospermia.Sperm that doesn’t move correctly, or is shaped abnormally, can also have problems reaching an egg to fertilize. Obstructions preventing the sperm from leaving the body can be to blame, too.
What Causes It?
Hormonal imbalance may be to blame. You need adequate levels of testosterone, follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH), luteinizing hormone (LH), and prolactin to produce healthy sperm, so low levels could cause a problem.
Certain health conditions can play a role, too. Diabetes, for instance, damages the nerves that move the sperm out of the penis, Dr. Paduch says. READ MORE
Did you know that he Spaghetti Western boomin the late 60’s and early 70’s saw close to 500 features produced throughout Europe? Such actors as Clint Eastwood, Franco Nero, Lee Van Cleef, and Terence Hill (real name: Mario Girotti) found a home in the genre.
‘The Great Silence’ Trivia: According to director Sergio Corbucci it was actor Marcello Mastrioanni who gave him the idea of the mute gunslinger, when the actor told him that he had always wanted to do a western, but unfortunately didn’t speak English. When Corbucci first met Trintignant, who didn’t speak English either, he decided that this was the moment to turn the taciturn spaghetti western hero into a mute. The name Silence is not only referring to the character’s incapacity to speak, but also to that “great silence” that is waiting for us all on the other side.
Janis Roszler’s ‘Sex & Diabetes’is the first book ever to deal exclusively with sexual problems as they relate to diabetes— and the only book to discuss issues that relate to both men and women.
It also shows you how sexual problems can be prevented or delayed and discusses treatments options that currently exist. Sex & Diabetes highlights the value of communication between sexual partners and the importance of having an open relationship with healthcare professionals.
“The best book on sexuality and diabetes published in the last 5 years. A must read for all persons with diabetes and their significant others.” —David S. Schade, MD.
The happy healthcare host, Mr. Divabetic explores issues of love, intimacy and diabetes on this special one hour podcast, ‘Don’t Let Diabetes Kill Romance’. Both type 1 and type 2 diabetes can lead to sexual health complications including vaginal dryness, sensation and performance. Up to 50% of men and 25% of women may experience some kind of sexual problem or a loss of sex drive.
Don’t equate sexual performance with love or a fulfilling relationship; focus on letting your partner know you care and want to give pleasure as part of your relationship.
LISTEN NOW:Don’t Let Diabetes Kill Romance podcastwith guests Janis Roszler MS, RD, LD/N, CDE, FAND (2008-2009 Diabetes Educator of the Year (AADE), Best-Selling Author Lisa Eugene, Jennifer Martsolf from Trigg Laboratories (the makers of Wet Lubricants).
Over the next week I’ll be sharing more Divabetic ‘Spaghetti Western’-themed Father’s Day Celebration blog posts showcasing Best-Selling Cookbook Author Holly Clegg‘s healthy recipes, Megrette Fletcher RD, CDE‘s advice on portions, Diabetes Advocate & ‘Rich In Love’ Spokesmodel Doris Hobbs’s vintage Western looks and fun party ideas (pictured above).
Divabetic ‘Entertaining’ Style: Burlap’s not just for potatoes anymore! Burlap tablecloths and table runners are the perfect combination of classic beauty and country charm! Burlap tablecloths come ina vast array of colors. My favorite shades of faux burlap are natural or white. These two shares are often paired together to create a clean contrast between the natural rustic shade and fresh linen-like look of white.Try one to add texture to your Father’s Day Celebration.
Divabetic ‘Entertaining’ Tip: When determining your color palette remember that you define it, your surroundings do not need to dictate your table. If you make your table the focal point, that is really what guests are going to see. So don’t stress too much about your carpet, wall color or other nearby factors. Be bold, be sassy, be a diva!
TUNE IN: Tuesday, June 13, 2017 for Diabetes Late Nite with music by Maxwell. We’re talking about Diabetic Macular Edema (DME) with musical inspiration from Maxwell.
Diabetic Macular Edema (DME) is an accumulation of fluid in the macula-part of the retina that controls our most detailed vision abilities-due to leaking blood vessels. In order to develop DME, you must first have diabetic retinopathy. Diabetic retinopathy is caused by damage to the blood vessels in the tissue at the back of the eye (retina). Poorly controlled blood sugar is a risk factor. Early symptoms include floaters, blurriness, dark areas of vision, and difficulty perceiving colors. Blindness can occur.
Guests include singer Alfa Anderson, Diabetic Macular Edema patient Maryanne Kass, Artist Bryce Chisholm, the Charlie’s Angels of Outreach, Poet Lorraine Brooks and Mama Rose Marie. Throughout the podcast we will be featuring selected songs from several of several of Maxwell’s albums courtesy of SONY Music.
Most men who are diagnosed with erectile dysfunction (ED) don’t follow through with treating it, says research from Southern Illinois University School of Medicine.
Researchers analyzed 6.2 million health insurance claims for men who received an ED diagnosis, and discovered that only 25 percent filled a prescription for treatment during the 12-month study period.
Erectile dysfunction — the inability to get or maintain an erection firm enough for sex — is common in men who have diabetes. It can stem from problems caused by poor long-term blood sugar control, which damages nerves and blood vessels.
It is estimated that about 35% to 75% of men with diabetes will experience at least some degree of erectile dysfunction — also called ED or impotence — during their lifetime.
Men with diabetes tend to develop erectile dysfunction 10 to 15 years earlier than men without diabetes. As men with diabetes age, erectile dysfunction becomes even more common. Above the age of 50, the likelihood of having difficulty with an erection occurs in approximately 50% to 60% of men with diabetes. Above age 70, there is about a 95% likelihood of having some difficulty with erectile dysfunction.
One potential barrier to treatment is cost: Many drugs don’t have generic versions yet, and some insurance companies provide limited or no coverage, says study author Kevin McVary, M.D. as reported by Men’s Health.
Men may also feel too embarrassed to drop off the prescription at the pharmacy, or believe ED isn’t a high-enough concern to bother addressing it, Dr. McVary says.
Another problem is that people with diabetes also tend to have problems with their heart, these medications may not be appropriate and could cause dangerous interactions with some heart medicines. Talk to your doctor to determine what treatment is best.
So what treatment is best? It depends on many factors including a man’s health and his ability to tolerate the treatment. Ask your doctor if you should see a specialist (a urologist) to determine the best treatment for your situation.
LISTEN:Don’t let Diabetes Kill Romance podcast with guest, Janis Rozsler MS, RD, LD/N, CDE, FAND (2008-2009 Diabetes Educator of the Year (AADE).. The happy healthcare host, Mr. Divabetic explores issues of love, intimacy and diabetes on this special one hour podcast
