Sexuality Among Middle-Aged and Older Adults With Diagnosed and Undiagnosed Diabetes

Abstract

OBJECTIVETo describe sexual activity, behavior, and problems among middle-age and older adults by diabetes status.RESEARCH DESIGN AND METHODSThis was a substudy of 1,993 community-residing adults, aged 57–85 years, from a cross-sectional, nationally representative sample (N = 3,005). In-home interviews, observed medications, and A1C were used to stratify by diagnosed diabetes, undiagnosed diabetes, or no diabetes. Logistic regression was used to model associations between diabetes conditions and sexual characteristics, separately by gender.RESULTSThe survey response rate was 75.5%. More than 60% of partnered individuals with diagnosed diabetes were sexually active. Women with diagnosed diabetes were less likely than men with diagnosed diabetes (adjusted odds ratio 0.28 [95% CI 0.16–0.49]) and other women (0.63 [0.45–0.87]) to be sexually active. Partnered sexual behaviors did not differ by gender or diabetes status. The prevalence of orgasm problems was similarly elevated among men with diagnosed and undiagnosed diabetes compared with that for other men, but erectile difficulties were elevated only among men with diagnosed diabetes (2.51 [1.53 to 4.14]). Women with undiagnosed diabetes were less likely to have discussed sex with a physician (11%) than women with diagnosed diabetes (19%) and men with undiagnosed (28%) or diagnosed (47%) diabetes.CONCLUSIONSMany middle-age and older adults with diabetes are sexually active and engage in sexual behaviors similarly to individuals without diabetes. Women with diabetes were more likely than men to cease all sexual activity. Older women with diabetes are as likely to have sexual problems but are significantly less likely than men to discuss them.

Sexual dysfunction in diabetic patients — an important and overlooked complication

“…According to Jackson's research [27], persistent erectile dysfunction was observed in 34% of patients and in 24% they appeared from time to time. In the study of Lindau [28] a similar result was obtainederection problems were reported in 36% of patients. In addition, 29% of those who achieved an erection in an undisturbed way were unable to experience orgasm.…”

“…More than half of the patients included in the study had been diagnosed with type 2 diabetes. This can have a significant impact on the emergence of a broad spectrum of disorders of sex life [25,26,28]. The combination of mature age of a patient with the diagnosis of diabetes, strongly multiplies the risk of emergence of various types of sexual problems.…”

“…The combination of mature age of a patient with the diagnosis of diabetes, strongly multiplies the risk of emergence of various types of sexual problems. Two out of three men and every third woman suffering from diabetes in the age group 57-85 years take sexual activity [28]. At the same time, people in this age range often report problems with sexual function, which cause dissatisfaction in men and motivated women to avoid sex.…”

A study of various factors associated with sexual dysfunction in males with type 2 diabetes mellitus

“…16 Lindau ST et al study found high prevalence of orgasm problems in men with DM. 17 Burke JP et al and Lindau ST et al, studies suggest that diabetes increases the risk of having HSDD. 3,17 The age (p = 0.335) and duration of DM (p =0.056) are statistically not significant between the two groups in this study.…”

“…17 Burke JP et al and Lindau ST et al, studies suggest that diabetes increases the risk of having HSDD. 3,17 The age (p = 0.335) and duration of DM (p =0.056) are statistically not significant between the two groups in this study. Veves et al study also suggest that age is not a significant factor associated with SD.…”