Emotional Well-Being Factors Associated with Sexual Dysfunction in Adults with Type 1 or Type 2 Diabetes: Results from Diabetes MILES—Australia

Abstract

Objective: Diabetes is a chronic health condition that requires daily self-management activities to prevent or delay the onset of serious long-term complications. The two main types of diabetes are Type 1 (T1D) and Type 2 diabetes (T2D). Although both differ in their etiology, they share similar challenges of self-management of blood glucose levels, which, if are persistently high over time can lead to serious long-term complications. Sexual dysfunction (SD) is a common complication of both types of diabetes and affects both men and women. Although the physical aspects of SD are established, less is known about the emotional factors that may also impact SD in adults with diabetes. This study explored the emotional well-being factors associated with SD among 3,338 men and women with T1D and T2D. Methods: The relationships between self-reported SD and depressive and anxiety symptoms, and diabetes-specific distress, were examined using logistic regression modelling. Results: SD was associated with depressive symptoms (all sub-groups), anxiety (men/T2D; women/T1D/T2D), and diabetes-specific distress (women/T1D/T2D). Diabetes-specific distress was significantly higher in those with T2D who believed their SD was caused by their diabetes. Conclusions: SD impacts both men and women with T1D/T2D and is associated with emotional distress. Evaluation of SD and emotional problems should form part of routine clinical assessment.

Keywords:

• Sexual dysfunction
• psychological studies
• physical illness
• quantitative studies
• sex/gender roles

Acknowledgments

The Diabetes Management and Impact for Long-term Empowerment and Success (MILES)–Australia 2011 Survey was funded by a National Diabetes Services Scheme Strategic Development Grant. The National Diabetes Services Scheme is an initiative of the Australia Government administered with the assistance of Diabetes Australia. In addition, Diabetes MILES–Australia received an unrestricted educational grant from Sanofi ANZ to support the development of the study website. We thank all study participants, Diabetes Victoria mailroom co-ordinators and volunteers and acknowledge the Diabetes MILES–Australia Reference Group for their advice on survey content.

Conflicts of interest

The authors report no conflicts of interest. The authors alone are responsible for the content and writing of the paper.