Endocrine Abstracts

The true prevalence of sexual dysfunction in women with diabetes is difficult to estimate. Studies of the area have shown varying and conflicting results. There is also disagreement about the conditions that influence this relationship and the risk factors that can be linked to the phenomenon. The purpose of this study was to investigate sexual function in women with diabetes at a Diabetes Care Unit. The study was conducted using a quantitative approach. Fifty women aged 18–65 years with type 1 or type 2 diabetes were enrolled in the study in which respondents were asked to complete a questionnaire containing background questions and the questionnaire, Female Sexual Function Index (FSFI). Twenty-nine women with diabetes (60%) showed a total score below 30, which can be classified as sexual dysfunction. Those domains that showed the lowest scores of these 29 women were the domains desire, orgasm and satisfaction. Sixty-four percent of the 50 women had not received any information about sexuality linked to diabetes, but 82% thought that it was quite important or very important to discuss any changes in sexuality. The prevalence of sexual dysfunction in women with diabetes is a phenomenon that one cannot disregard. A deeper knowledge in this area would be desirable. This study demonstrated that there might be women with diabetes who experience sexual dysfunction. The majority of the women felt that it was important to discuss changes in sexuality linked to diabetes. In addition, the majority stated that it was not informed about the area through their clinic.