Sugar, sex and your health: The connection you might be ignoring
When most of us think about sugar, I bet we're not thinking about our sex lives. We're thinking about dessert. I'm writing this with the help of a bowl of vanilla ice cream by my side.
Sugar makes us feel good in the moment, but over time, too much of it may cause us to lose out on some of life's most intimate moments.
In 2025, everyone's been buzzing about GLP-1 injections to help control sugar and lose weight. This new class of medication has helped many achieve meaningful health gains — including improved blood sugar, weight loss — and even improvements to people's sex lives (because they could be getting better sleep, too).
My goal here isn't to discount the use of GLP-1 drugs or suggest people are taking them unnecessarily (although some people may be). My intent is to spark a broader conversation: What if we also paid more attention to the root cause: our love for sugar and its downstream effects on mood, metabolism, sex and more?
Most people associate blood sugar with diabetes, but few know what is 'normal.'
Blood sugar levels can be checked in real time with a simple finger stick, via home glucose monitor or through wearable devices such as continuous glucose monitors (those coin-size devices you may see on people's upper arms), which provide feedback on glucose levels throughout the day.
What do we see when this test is done? Following is the American Diabetes Association range of reference for blood glucose levels, but they are not meant for you to diagnose yourself with diabetes. In many instances, your provider may double- or even triple-check these numbers before labeling you with 'diabetes.'
All numbers should be evaluated by your health care provider.
Fasting blood sugar (no food for at least eight hours prior):
Normal: below 100 mg/dL (milligrams per deciliter)
Prediabetes: 100 to 125 mg/dL
Diabetes: 126 mg/dL or higher
Random blood sugar (taken any time of day):
Diabetes is often diagnosed if levels are 200 mg/dL or higher with symptoms.
The point-of-care glucose test gives a snapshot, but there's one lab that tells the full story — the hemoglobin A1c.
This blood test measures the percentage of hemoglobin proteins in your blood that have glucose attached to it — giving you and your health care providers a picture of your average blood sugar over the past two to three months. This makes it a reliable indicator of how well your body manages glucose over time.
Here's how the American Diabetes Association breaks it down:
Normal: A1c below 5.7%
Prediabetes: 5.7% to 6.4%
Diabetes: 6.5% or higher
In my work as a surgeon, checking A1c before any procedure — especially those involving implants — is standard practice. Elevated A1c levels are strongly linked to poor recovery, infection risks and surgical complications. So, whether it's a major urologic procedure or something else, keeping your glucose in check matters more than most people realize.
Sexual health is rarely the first thing people associate with blood sugar, but chronically high glucose levels can have an impact on intimacy — for everyone.
In men, high blood sugar can damage the nerves and blood vessels essential for achieving and maintaining erections. Over time, this can present as erectile dysfunction, before a man is ever diagnosed with or thought to be at risk for diabetes. High blood sugar can also lower testosterone levels, which then reduce libido and energy.
Many of my patients who do not get routine screenings from their primary care providers come to see me because of changes in sexual performance — only to later discover their blood sugar is out of control. For these patients, their first clue that something was wrong wasn't thirst, weight changes or fatigue (the more common early signs of diabetes) — it was trouble in the bedroom.
In women, high blood sugar can lead to reduced blood flow and hormone imbalances, which may cause vaginal dryness, painful sex or problems with orgasm. It can also increase the risk of recurrent urinary tract infections, which can make intimacy painful or less appealing. Many women can feel frustrated and confused about whether these changes are expected from aging, post-menopause, stress or something else. A poor sugar level is usually the last thing on their mind.
Diabetes is incredibly common — about 38 million Americans have it — and nearly 1 in 4 don't even know it, according to the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.
Traditionally, diabetes treatment started with oral medications like metformin, which helps lower glucose by reducing sugar production in the liver. Other classes of pills work in different ways, either by increasing insulin release or helping the kidneys flush out excess sugar. These medications are typically prescribed for people in the earlier stages of diabetes or with mildly elevated A1c.
Injectable medications may be necessary when oral pills aren't enough to treat the disease. For years, that often meant daily insulin injections, which many patients found to be burdensome but necessary. Insulin needs to be carefully timed with meals, and dosing can be tricky. There's also a real fear of low blood sugar episodes, which can make some people hesitant to start or stick with the therapy.
Over the past few years, GLP-1 receptor agonist drugs have become part of many people's treatment regimens. This class of medication is known by names like semaglutide, liraglutide and tirzepatide. These injections mimic a natural hormone in your body that helps regulate blood sugar, slows down digestion and make you feel fuller faster.
While they were originally developed to treat type 2 diabetes, they've gained worldwide attention for helping people lose weight. In fact, many patients now ask and get these medications before any other option — not just to manage blood sugar, but to lose weight.
These medications also may help normalize testosterone levels in men with obesity or type 2 diabetes, according to preliminary research presented at the Endocrine Society's annual meeting this week.
Researchers tracked 110 men who were prescribed GLP-1 injections but were not taking any testosterone therapy. Over the course of 18 months, as participants lost on average about 10% of their body weight, the number of men with normal testosterone levels increased from 53% to 77%. This rise highlights how medications originally designed for diabetes and weight loss also may improve hormone levels in men.
While this abstract has not yet been peer-reviewed and more research is needed, these findings add to a growing body of evidence that managing weight and blood sugar can have ripple effects across nearly every aspect of health — including testosterone, energy and sexual function.
Before turning immediately to medications, don't underestimate what consistent lifestyle changes can do, not just for your blood sugar but for your whole life.
Regular exercise improves insulin sensitivity, supports weight loss, boosts energy and even enhances sexual function by improving blood flow and hormone balance. A balanced diet — one that's rich in whole foods, fiber and lean protein — can stabilize blood sugar and reduce inflammation that contributes to chronic disease. Better sleep, reduced alcohol and managing stress all play a role, too.
So, if you're debating between an injection or a new routine, maybe this time reach for the gym bag before you try anything else. You might just find it changes more than your labs. It might change how you feel about yourself.
As for me, the next time I help myself to that scoop of ice cream while writing, I'll remember that it's not just about my waistline — it's about my energy, my heart and my sexual health. And now that I'm done with this article, I'll pick up my gym bag and walk the walk (to the gym) that I'm talking here.
Get inspired by a weekly roundup on living well, made simple. Sign up for CNN's Life, But Better newsletter for information and tools designed to improve your well-being.
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
The Verge
25 minutes ago
- The Verge
Samsung's Galaxy Watch 8 just came out and you can already save $50
If you're looking to upgrade an older Android smartwatch, or want to give wearables a try for the first time, Samsung's Galaxy Watch 8 is a compelling choice. It has a new design, lets you access Google's Gemini AI from your wrist, and has a handful of new health and wellness features. It launched on July 25th, but you can already get the 40mm model on sale for $299.99 ($50 off) from Samsung. Amazon has the watch for full price, but is offering a $50 promotional credit toward a future purchase if you use the code APSUE5MBXB6Y at checkout. Samsung's latest smartwatch features a new squircle design, Gemini, and some new health features like an Antioxidant Index and Running Coach. The Galaxy Watch 8 is squircle shaped, which may be divisive, but allows it to lay flatter and Verge reporter Victoria Song found it fit more more comfortably on her wrist in her review. The change also let Samsung make the watch thinner than the Galaxy Watch 7, and yet we still found it can still last more than a day on a charge. While it's not a huge departure from its predecessor, it could be a good upgrade for anyone with a Galaxy Watch 5 or below, and Samsung's new discount counteracts the $50 price increase means you're not paying any more than the Galaxy Watch 7 cost at launch. If you've gotten used to Google Gemini on your smartphone or computer, the Galaxy Watch 8 will let you access it from your wrist – we created playlists, checked the weather, and have previously asked Gemini whether it's necessary to scrub a sweet potato before peeling it. On the health and wellness side, the Galaxy Watch 8 can track steps, your heart rate, blood oxygen level, steps, and activity. If you have a Samsung Galaxy phone, you use the smartwatch to take an EKG or detect sleep apnea. A new feature called Running Coach will put you through a 12-minute run test, give you a grade from one through 10, and create a workout program based on your performance. It also includes sensors designed to detect whether you're eating enough fruits and vegetables, but we found it can be fooled by colorful objects, including a Cheeze-It. The Galaxy Watch 8 is also available in a 44mm size, and that model is also on sale for $379.99 ($50 off) from up for Verge Deals to get deals on products we've tested sent to your inbox weekly. Posts from this author will be added to your daily email digest and your homepage feed. See All by Brandt Ranj Posts from this topic will be added to your daily email digest and your homepage feed. See All Deals Posts from this topic will be added to your daily email digest and your homepage feed. See All Gadgets Posts from this topic will be added to your daily email digest and your homepage feed. See All Samsung Posts from this topic will be added to your daily email digest and your homepage feed. See All Smartwatch Posts from this topic will be added to your daily email digest and your homepage feed. See All Tech Posts from this topic will be added to your daily email digest and your homepage feed. See All Wearable
Forbes
25 minutes ago
- Forbes
Spousal Caregivers Face Greater Strain—Here's What The Data Shows
The first impact was emotional, says Esme Almonte, 58 (name changed). 'When a loved one is suffering from a chronic illness, you think in the beginning, if you do things right, everything will be alright—and that's what I thought.' Almonte is the primary caregiver for her husband, who suffers from leptomeningeal disease. She is among the rising number of spousal or partner caregivers who are women, according to research. She's also part of the 44% of family caregivers in high-intensity situations, according to Caregiving in the U.S. 2025, a landmark report published by the National Alliance for Caregiving and AARP. The report provides the most comprehensive snapshot to date of America's 63 million caregivers and outlines what must be done to support them. High-intensity care is defined as providing longer weekly hours of support, assisting with essential tasks such as bathing, meal prep, managing medications or finances, and often doing so with little or no help. Spousal or partner caregiving is especially complex because it involves caring for someone deeply loved, often evoking a range of difficult emotions—anger, guilt, confusion, and grief. And that's just the beginning. These situations are emotionally and physically draining. For Mark Horst, 63 (name changed), the weight of caregiving became clear when his wife of 38 years was diagnosed with Alzheimer's. He didn't know what lay ahead—only that he would remain by her side as her primary caregiver. 'Having Alzheimer's is absolutely heartbreaking, and I couldn't do it without God's help,' says Horst, a man of deep faith. Like Almonte, he quickly realized that caring for a loved one with a chronic illness requires deep empathy, patience, and resilience—and help. According to the Caregiving in the U.S. 2025 report, caregivers who provide high-intensity care devote more time and assist with more tasks than other caregivers. They not only navigate unique circumstances but also face greater demands and more complex responsibilities than their lower-intensity counterparts. Key findings include: Caregivers like Horst and Almonte are part of a growing group who are not only aging themselves but also supporting a loved one with a complex medical condition or disability. Spouses or partners remain a major source of informal long-term care in the U.S., making them critical to the nation's care infrastructure. As such, they deserve more visibility in research, healthcare, and policymaking. Here are three current caregiving trends—and their implications for today's high-intensity caregivers. 1. Spousal Caregivers Through The Lens Of Aging Older caregivers tend to support spouses or partners with long-term chronic conditions or disabilities. Common diagnoses include Alzheimer's, cancer, mobility impairments, age-related decline, and recovery from surgery. Younger caregivers (under 50) are more likely to support individuals with short-term or mental health needs. For older caregivers like Almonte, the emotional toll can be profound. 'Cleaning, comforting, taking him to appointments—it all takes time. But the disappointment is when his health keeps deteriorating,' she says. 'You do your best, but the emotions are persistent. You think about losing someone you love—and how one day, they won't be there anymore.' These caregiving patterns shift across the lifespan, but one thing remains clear: no caregiver's story is the same. 2. Mental Health Impacts Of High-Intensity Spousal Caregivers Despite the rising number of spousal or partner caregivers, most studies have had methodological limitations—and many have overlooked the role of caregiving intensity. New research published in the Journal of Health Economics examined how different levels of spousal caregiving intensity impact mental health outcomes, using data from the Health and Retirement Study. Key findings include: This research offers timely insights for the development of targeted long-term care policies and emphasizes why understanding the mental health toll of caregiving, especially spousal or partner caregiving—is so essential. 3. Resilience And Resources: A Lifeline For Spousal Caregivers Caregiving comes without a rulebook. As the saying goes, we either sink or swim. For many, resilience becomes the anchor. But resilience is not just about inner strength—it's also about access to external resources. A recent study published in the Journal of Aging and Mental Health explored how multiple resilience resources work together using a person-centered approach. Researchers identified three key caregiver profiles: Unsurprisingly, spousal or partner caregivers dealing with higher stress, functional limitations, and depressive symptoms were less likely to have strong resilience resources. The findings underscore the need for holistic interventions—respite care, paid help, community services—to support caregiver well-being. Caregivers Need Guidance, Not Guesswork 'I wish there was more guidance from the medical side,' says Almonte. 'A folder, a manual, something to explain the stages of illness—who to call, when to involve a social worker, where to find support. In the beginning, you're just guessing.' Caregivers need a roadmap. According to the Caregiving in the U.S. 2025 report, more family caregivers are providing increasingly complex care over extended periods. A comprehensive roadmap can help them navigate these challenges and manage demanding caregiving tasks more effectively. Caregivers also need relief in different ways, and it's important to recognize that support is not one-size-fits-all. While some caregivers find solace in support groups or respite, others lack time or don't see the benefit. Respecting those differences is crucial—especially for healthcare professionals designing interventions or long-term grief support. Though caregivers have long been a silent demographic, that's starting to change. But as caregiving becomes an unavoidable part of life for many, it's time for society to move beyond platitudes and prioritize their needs—not just in words, but in policy, infrastructure, and culture. Though caregivers have long been a silent demographic, that's starting to change.
Yahoo
40 minutes ago
- Yahoo
The Hand Sanitizer Trick We Wish We'd Known About Sooner
The Hand Sanitizer Trick We Wish We'd Known About Sooner originally appeared on Parade. It's happened to all of us at least once: You left the house without applying deodorant. The frustration once you realize you forgot to put it on is fast and strong, and sometimes there's nothing you can do about it. If you don't carry around an In-Case-of-Emergencies mini deodorant, and a friend doesn't have one, you're stuck with your building B.O. for the rest of the day (or until you get home). But what if that didn't have to be the case? A hack could do the internet provides us with many things, and one of them is how to handle an emergency B.O. mishap. It includes hand sanitizer… and you can probably guess the rest. But should you be using this hack is the real question. Well, Parade spoke with Dr. Lindsey Zubritsky, MD, FAAD, a board-certified dermatologist. She goes by @dermguru on both Instagram and TikTok, and has over 39.9 million views on TikTok, as of July 2025. So, she knows a thing or two about the best things you should do for your skin and how to take care of body odor. Read on to see if you should use this hand sanitizer hack and what Dr. Zubritsky suggests as the best in-a-bind deodorant method. Plus, she tells Parade her B.O. she swears by. This way to smelling good!Related: The Hand Sanitizer Hack Some People Are Using in Emergencies In a popular r/beauty subreddit, a very distressed post titled, 'I FORGOT MY DEODORANT.''Today it's going to break 90° in the shop I work in,' they wrote. 'I ran out to my car before realizing I took out my deodorant yesterday, so now I am at high risk for massive B.O., and stressing about it is making it worse. What can I do? Is there anything at all I can do if I forgot?'The stress sweats are not forgiving, let us tell you that. Luckily, there were some helpful people in the comments, and the top best comment asked if they had hand sanitizer or antibacterial hand soap.'Hand sanitizer, I've just massaged into my pits a few times during the day to kill bacteria,' they wrote. 'You could also try to 'wash' your pits with hand soap, preferably antibacterial, but anything is better than nothing. I take a paper towel, get it slightly wet, then add a small amount of soap. Wipe pits… [This] does a decent job for me in controlled temps, not sure if it'll help you in extreme temps.'The original poster did share an update, saying they used hand sanitizer and it 'really did the trick.' Of course, 'despite the alcohol in it temporarily burning from shaving the other day.' Ouch! Their partner ended up bringing them deodorant later in the day, so all was well. A Dermatologist Weighs In While the person who suggested hand sanitizer didn't fully explain why, they were right in recommending something antibacterial. Dr. Zubritsky tells Parade that body odor isn't caused by sweat, but instead is a 'mixture of bacteria on our skin with our perspiration.' So using antibacterial hand sanitizer isn't that out there of an idea.'Therefore, when you eliminate the bacteria on the skin, you eliminate the odor,' she says, explaining the thinking behind this trick. 'Hand sanitizer usually has a high concentration of alcohol, which acts as an antimicrobial agent, so the thinking is that using sanitizer can temporarily kill off those bacteria and help reduce odor.'This is also helpful because, as she points out, it's not like you're just spraying perfume over it, 'masking the smell.' You're 'targeting the root cause,' or at least trying But, Is It Okay To Use Hand Sanitizer on Your Armpits? Sure, we're talking about emergency circumstances. But should you ever use hand sanitizer on your armpits, even with good reason? Dr. Zubritsky warns that the biggest risk with using it on your pits is the high chance of irritation.'Hand sanitizers contain high amounts of alcohol, which can irritate the sensitive skin of the underarms, especially if you recently shaved the area,' she says. 'The other concern is that this area is often occluded, which would increase the time hand sanitizer would remain on our skin. More time on the skin equals a higher risk of irritation.'She also points out that it can 'cause significant dryness,' irritating your skin even further, especially if you have conditions such as atopic dermatitis or Zubritsky doesn't say you should never use this hack in case of emergencies. That's why she tells Parade that it kind of depends on you and your skin, along with 'previous medical conditions and sensitivity level.''For the most part, it's likely safe to use once or twice in a pinch, and you are self-conscious about your body odor,' she explains. 'But it would only work to stop the odor and would not help with perspiration.' What's a Gentler Option in a Deodorant Emergency? Dr. Zubrtisky instead suggests a gentler approach if you accidentally forget to apply deodorant in the morning and don't have anything at work. 'The best thing you can do is cleanse the skin with an antibacterial soap and wash away with water,' she says. 'You can do this throughout the day to help eliminate odor.'Related: The Dermatologist-Approved B.O. Hack She Swears By Are there any deodorant or B.O. hacks that Dr. Zubrtisky can fully get behind (or that she loves to use and keep in her back pocket)? Of course. She doesn't have over 1.5 million followers on Instagram and TikTok (each) for no reason!'One of my favorite derm-approved hacks is using hypochlorous acid spray on your underarms a few times a week,' she shares with Parade. 'This is gentle with little side effects and works to eliminate odor-causing bacteria on the skin. It's also great on the chest and back to help reduce the risk of developing body acne after a sweaty workout.'She also notes an important fact that more people should remember: 'Occasional body odor is completely normal…'But if you do notice that your B.O. 'becomes unusually strong, persistent or suddenly changes,' you should maybe see a dermatologist to check out why. 'Sometimes, odor can be linked to medical conditions, diet or hormonal changes,' she explains. But if you're just worried about daily, normal body odor, 'prevention is key,' Dr. Zubritsky says. 'Daily hygiene, antiperspirants and breathable clothing can go a long way,' she Next:Source: Dr. Lindsey Zubritsky, MD, FAAD, is a board-certified dermatologist. You can follow her on Instagram & TikTok under @dermguru. The Hand Sanitizer Trick We Wish We'd Known About Sooner first appeared on Parade on Aug 2, 2025 This story was originally reported by Parade on Aug 2, 2025, where it first appeared. Solve the daily Crossword
