Objective: Female sexual dysfunction is a known complication of diabetes mellitus. The aims of this study is to estimate the prevalence of sexual dysfunction and the types of sexual dysfunction experienced by Malay women with type 2 diabetes mellitus.
Methods: Cross sectional study was conducted on married Malay women with type 2 diabetes mellitus, receiving treatment from two community clinics in Selangor, Malaysia. Female sexual function was assessed using Malay version of Female Sexual Function Index.
Results: This study found that sexual dysfunction was present among 18.2% women. Lack of libido was the commonest symptom among these women and was observed in 40.9% of women followed by sexual dissatisfaction (36.4%). Sexual arousal disorder was observed in 22.7%, 18.2% complained of lack of lubrication, and 22.7% had vaginal discomfort. Orgasmic dysfunction was found in only 4.5% of these women.
Conclusion: This preliminary research showed sexual desire disorder was the commonest type of sexual disorder among diabetic women.
Neuropathy is a problem often suffered by patients with diabetes mellitus. Types of neuropathy that occur are peripheral neuropathy and autonomic neuropathy. This cross sectional study was conducted to determine the association between duration of diabetes and loss of protective sensation and the association between imbalance and loss of protective sensation among Malay women with diabetes mellitus. Eighty one Malay women with diabetes mellitus, aged 20 to 60 years from three clinics in Hulu Langat District participated in this study. Socio-demographic information were obtained from respondent using a questionnaire. Foot sensory evaluation was conducted using Semmes-Weinstein Monofilament
grade 5.07. Assessment of balance was done using Timed One-leg Stance. Chi-squared test was used to determine the association between the two variables. Result showed that 56.8% of respondent had loss of protective sensation on at least one foot. While, 17.3% had imbalance while eyes were open and 60.5% experienced imbalance while eyes were closed. However, there was no significant correlation (p<0.05) between imbalance while eyes opened [χ2=3.27, p=0.07] and while eyes close [χ2=0.29, p=0.59]) with loss of protective sensation in at least one foot. Similar result were obtained between duration of diabetes and the loss of protective sensation. (χ2=3.27, p=0.20). Although there was no association between these factors, a screening program should start early to ensure early problems are identified before more severe complications occur.
Keywords: Diabetes mellitus; imbalance; loss of protective sensation; Malay women
Study site: Klinik Kesihatan, Hulu Langat, Selangor, Malaysia