Not Only Diabetes, Most Sugar Eating Can Disrupt Sexual Life

JAKARTA - Sugar is often accused of being a source of health problems, ranging from obesity to serious illness. But, do you know that excess sugar can also interfere with your sexual life? Although it is rarely discussed openly, the relationship between blood sugar and sexuality is real and the impact is serious.

In men, chronic high blood sugar can damage blood vessels and nerves that are important for erection. Therefore, don't be surprised that erectile dysfunction is an early sign of diabetes which is often not realized.

In addition, high sugar levels can also lower testosterone, a hormone that plays a direct role in male passion and sexual energy.

"I often treat male patients who come because of sexual problems, then it is known that their blood sugar levels are very high. Not thirst, not weakness, but their sexual life is the first to signal," said urologist Jamin Brahmbhatt, quoted from the CNN page on Saturday, July 19.

This shows how important it is to pay attention to signals from the body. For women, high blood sugar can inhibit blood flow to the intimate organs, trigger hormonal imbalance, and cause problems such as dry vagina, pain when in contact, to difficulty reaching orgasm.

Many women end up getting repeated urinary tract infections, which make intimate relationships uncomfortable.

Often, women think this change is just part of aging, stress, or menopause. In fact, wrong sugar levels can be the main cause and are often missed.

Apart from medical therapy such as drugs and insulin injections, excessive sugar levels or diabetes can be overcome by changing lifestyles. Here are the keys:

1. Active Move

Routine physical activities can make the body more sensitive to insulin, help lose weight, increase blood flow, and balance hormones.

2. Healthy diet

Choose high-fiber foods, non-fat protein, and reduce sugar and processed foods. This is very important to keep sugar levels stable.

3. Get enough sleep

Try to sleep quality, reduce drinking alcohol, and manage stress well. That way, you have a 'complete package' to maintain long-term health, including sexual life.

Make sure your sugar levels are within safe limits. Based on the American Diabetes Association guidelines, normal blood sugar during fasting (not eating at least 8 hours) should be below 100 mg/dL. If the figure is 100-125 mg/dL, that's a sign that you have entered prediabetes. While 126 mg/dL or more, it means you have diabetes.