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For Healthcare Professionals

This section contains information specifically for healthcare professionals that have an interest in Diabetes. To access this area you must be registered on this site and be logged in.

Services for Professionals

Under 18?

This section is for under 18's and contains a great interactive tool to help you and your family learn more about diabetes.

Managing Diabetes

- The interactive web tool for children and families. It may be helpful to look at this section with your parents at first.

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Managing Diabetes Complications

father and daughter at computer

As you may already know, controlling your blood glucose is important for avoiding hypoglycaemia and hyperglycaemia—blood glucose lows and highs.

By keeping your blood glucose level in your target range, you may delay or prevent long-term complications. High blood glucose levels can damage many parts of your body, including your eyes, heart and toes. The good news is that you, along with your healthcare professional, may be able to lessen the impact of diabetes complications on your life.

This section list some of the more common diabetes-related complications, their symptoms and treatments, and some steps your healthcare professional may recommend to help reduce your risk.

Diabetes and Sexual Health

Couple hugging on beach

Diabetes can lead to difficulty with sexual performance for men and women.

Issues Affecting Men

Diabetes may cause nerve and artery damage, disrupting the blood flow needed for an erection. Men who have diabetes are 3 times more likely to experience this issue, known as erectile dysfunction or impotence.1 Experiencing erectile dysfunction is common and can be treated.

A few factors that may increase the possibility of experiencing impotence:

  • Poorly controlled blood glucose
  • High cholesterol
  • High blood pressure
  • Smoking
  • Drinking too much alcohol

In addition, some medications—such as blood-pressure drugs, anti-depressants and stomach-ulcer medications—may have side effects that contribute to sexual dysfunction. Stress can have an impact as well.

Prevention and Treatment

Several types of treatment are available for erectile dysfunction, including oral medications, injections, suppositories and vacuum devices. If you notice any erectile dysfunction, talk with your healthcare professional right away.

Issues Affecting Women

Sexual dysfunction from diabetes can affect women as well. High blood glucose levels, nerve damage, depression and yeast infections are all relatively common in women with diabetes and can contribute to sexual problems.2

If you have any of the following symptoms, there is a chance you are suffering from a form of diabetes-related sexual dysfunction:

  • Lack of interest in sex
  • Vaginal dryness
  • Discomfort during intercourse
  • More difficulty reaching orgasm

Prevention and Treatment

Start by talking with your healthcare professional, who can help you determine the best course of action. A simple solution, such as using a lubricant during sex, may work. If you are having problems in your sex life, seek help from your healthcare professional.

1 MayoClinic.com. Erectile dysfunction and diabetes: take control today. Available at: http://www.mayoclinic.com/health/erectile-dysfunction/DA00045. Accessed March 28, 2008.
2 Wider, Jennifer. Diabetes Takes a Toll on the Sex Life of Many Women. Available at: http://www.womenshealthresearch.org/site/News2?page=NewsArticle&id=7407. Accessed November 17, 2008.

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Accu-Chek ComboThe New Accu-Chek Combo

Imagine Complete Diabetes Management that Fits in the Palm of Your Hand. A state-of-the-art system that partners a “smart” blood glucose meter with a reliable insulin pump to bring you a new level of freedom and flexibility.
 The Accu-Chek Support Kitchen Corner

Hungry to learn more about food and nutrition that’s just right for you? We have loads of great recipes, meal planning options to suit your needs and your everyday eating plan. Ask our “Expert”!

My Accu-Chek Support

Join My Accu-Chek Support to receive news and updates on Accu-Chek products, diabetes management and events.

Are you ready to pump?

Adults and children alike are realizing the benefits of insulin pump therapy. Use this interactive tool to discover what pump therapy can do for you.

This website contains information on products which are targeted to a wide range of audiences and could contain product details or information otherwise not accessible or valid in your country. Please be aware that we do not take any responsibility for accessing such information which may not comply with any valid legal process, regulation, registration or usage in the country of your origin. For people with diabetes. Use only as directed. See your healthcare professional for medical advice.