'I accept his manhood is on life-support': A qualitative understanding of the impact of diabetes on sexual relationships among men and women living with type 2 diabetes and their partners in South Africa

Aims: To explore the impact of diabetes on sexual relationships among men and women living with type 2 diabetes People living with type 2 diabetes (PLWD) and their partners in Cape Town, South Africa. Methods: As part of a larger study developing an intervention to improve type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) self management, we conducted in-depth individual interviews with 10 PLWD and their partners without diabetes about experiences living with T2DM, between July 2020 and January 2021. We used inductive thematic analysis. Results: Both PLWD and partners felt that their sexual relationships and desires changed post-diagnosis, in ways beyond biomedical issues. Although couples' reports on the quality of their sexual relationships were concordant, most participants had not communicated their sexual desires and concerns with each other, causing unhappiness and fears of disappointing or losing their partner. Participants felt uninformed about sexual dysfunction but had not discussed this with their healthcare provider, leading to increased anxiety. Conclusion: PLWD and their partners need more informational support to increase their understanding of diabetes-associated sexual dysfunction and to decrease fears and anxiety. Strengthening communication within couples on sexual issues may empower them to find solutions to problems experienced. This may improve couples' relationships and quality of life, and indirectly result in better self management of T2DM.

Automated summary

This study explored the impact of diabetes on sexual relationships among men and women living with type 2 diabetes. The findings revealed that both individuals with diabetes and their partners experienced changes in their sexual relationships, but lacked effective communication, leading to increased dissatisfaction and anxiety. The study recommends the provision of more informational support and strengthening communication within couples to improve relationships, quality of life, and indirectly enhance self-management of diabetes.