Q: Do you guys ever post information on how alcohol affects diabetics? I’m married to a diabetic who has lost one leg in 2004. Also, inform on life after a diabetic loses his sex drive. Help me if you can. – Anita B.
A: Alcohol consumption in diabetics can be dangerous, especially for people experiencing nerve damage in the arms or legs, diabetic eye disease, and high blood pressure. For diabetics with nerve damage, drinking can increase the pain, numbness, tingling or burning sensation associated with diabetic nerve damage. Diabetics that have eye disease symptoms and are heavy drinkers can make this condition worse, possibly leading to blindness.
READ: 4 Things That Make Diabetes Worse
When a diabetic experiences decreased sex drive, the first thing they should do is lower their blood glucose levels. In a male patient, if they still experience low libido they can try taking medication such as Viagra, Cialis or testosterone. Studies have shown that men with type 2 diabetes are at a higher risk of experiencing low testosterone than men without diabetes. In a female patient, nerve damage present in diabetes can cause vaginal dryness. Vaginal dryness may be treated with estrogen, available in pills, a patch, or a cream used in the vagina.
READ: Erectile Dysfunction, Diabetes And Black Men
Visit the BlackDoctor.org Diabetes center for more.
If you have any questions, don’t hesitate to ‘Ask Dr. Renee’. Follow me on Twitter @AskDrRenee and on my website.
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