A study published in the April 2002 issue of the journal Diabetes Care found that 27% of women with Type 1 diabetes (compared to 15% of women without diabetes) had arousal problems or pain during intercourse. The study also found that all women who reported sexual dysfunction were more likely than other women to be experiencing symptoms of depression and suggested that the psychological toll of adjusting to diabetes may contribute to sexual dysfunction in women.
For women with diabetes, improved blood glucose control, a healthy diet, regular exercise, and appropriate counseling for depression or emotional issues may help improve sexual function.
