Diabetes Self-Management Articles

These articles cover a wide range of subjects, from the most basic aspects of diabetes care to the nitty-gritty specifics.

Sign up for our weekly e-mail newsletter and receive a FREE GIFT! Enter your e-mail below.




Learn more
Sample e-newsletter

Learn more about diabetes

Links to help you learn more about diabetes.

Ask a diabetes expert
Other diabetes resources
Browse article topics

 

Looking after your sexual health is important for your emotional and physical well-being. Many people with diabetes—men and women—experience sexual dysfunction as a result of their diabetes or a health issue related to their diabetes. Family planning is also an important concern for people with diabetes, since a woman’s high blood glucose can have effects on a developing fetus. Check out the articles in this section to learn about looking after your sexual health.


Menopause by Pat Dougherty, C.N.M., M.S.N., and Joyce Green Pastors, M.S., R.D., C.D.E.

For most women, menopause—the cessation of menstrual periods—is a normal, natural occurrence. The average age at menopause is 51, although any time after 40 is considered normal. The years leading up to the menopausal transition—a…

Also inside: Resources for Readers

New Contraception Options by Monica J. Smith

Given that approximately half of all pregnancies in the United States every year are unplanned, birth control is an important consideration for all sexually active women at risk of becoming pregnant. In the case of women with diabetes, however, precision…


Say Yes to Intimacy by Donna Rice, BSN, RN, CDE

It is a well-known fact that chronic illness can cause problems with sexual function. Today, erectile dysfunction, also called impotence, affects an estimated 30 million men in the United States. It is a problem that often leads to frustration, embarrassment, loss of self-esteem, isolation, and depression. It can also lead to strain in a relationship, particularly if a man withdraws from his partner rather than communicating openly about what he is experiencing. Men with diabetes have a higher incidence of erectile dysfunction, yet it is often ignored and left untreated…

Also inside: For More Information, Drugs and Devices for Erectile Dysfunction, How an Erection Occurs

Sexual Wellness by Laura Hieronymus, M.S.Ed., A.P.R.N., B.C.-A.D.M., C.D.E., and Lawrence Maguire, M.D.

“Intimacy is being seen and known as the person you truly are.”—Amy Bloom

Researchers believe that up to 50% of people with diabetes will experience some sort of sexual dysfunction at some point. But even if diabetes doesn’t directly…

Also inside: Read More About It

When Diabetes Affects Your Sex Life by David Spero, RN

Mike’s doctor looked and sounded concerned. “Your sugars are up, your blood pressure is up, and you’ve gained 10 pounds since I last saw you, ” she said. “You were doing so well. What happened? ”

“I don’t know,” said Mike. “I’m just down. Exercising and checking my blood glucose don’t seem worth the effort now. My neuropathy is burning holes in my feet. It’s been a hard year…”


When Viagra Doesn’t Work by Ann Ezzell and Neil Baum, M.D.

Erectile dysfunction is a common occurrence in men with diabetes. The incidence of erectile dysfunction increases progressively with age, from 5% in men age 20 to 75% in men over age 65. The cause of erectile dysfunction in men with diabetes is usually…


Statements and opinions expressed on this Web site are those of the authors and not necessarily those of the publishers or advertisers. The information provided on this Web site should not be construed as medical instruction. Consult appropriate health-care professionals before taking action based on this information.

My triglycerides are too high. How can I reduce them? Get tip


Diet Soft Drinks: How Safe Are They?
Find out what recent research has shown about the effects of various low-calorie sweeteners.

Byetta Update: What We've Learned From Experience
Byetta has been available for five years now. Both widespread use and continuing research studies have yielded useful information on this Type 2 diabetes drug.

How Well Do You Know Your Menu Terms?
Eating out can be tough if you don’t recognize the words on the menu. Learn how to order your way to a healthy meal.

Complete table of contents
Get a FREE ISSUE
Subscription questions