T09-P-16 Evaluation of sexual function, quality of life and depressive aspects in women affected by type 1 diabetes mellitus

Sexual function in healthy and particularly in diabetic women has received little attention from clinical researchers. Aim of the study a) To define which is the most impaired sexual phase in a group of type 1 diabetic females. b) To study the role of biological, psychological, social and relational factors in the same population. Materials and methods We evaluated clinical and glycometabolic factors as well as the following psycho-cognitive and social variables: Zung Depression Scale, Diabetes Quality of Life, Body Image Scale, Female Sexual Function Index, Multidimensional Scale of Perceived Social Support. Inclusion criteria: type 1 diabetes mellitus, age >18 years, stable heterosexual relationship for at least 1 year. Results We enrolled 77 diabetic women (age [mean± SD]: 39.0±10.1 yr; duration of the disease: 16.8±10.1 yr; mean HbA1C: 8.1±1.1%). As expected we found a significant correlation between quality of life and: a) depressive aspects (p Conclusions In women affected by type 1 diabetes mellitus psychological factors seem to be predominant with respect to somatic ones; in particular we suppose that a good metabolic control could reflect an attitude to “control” both glucose monitoring and sexual life.