Expert Series – Love in the Age of GLP-1s

Overview

Sexual health and intimacy are important but often overlooked components of comprehensive diabetes care. This educational webinar examines the known and potential indirect effects of GLP-1 receptor agonist therapies on sexual health, including the roles of weight loss, metabolic changes, psychosocial factors, and sex- and gender-related considerations, while acknowledging current evidence gaps. Participants will also explore psychological, relational, and diabetes-related contributors to sexual concerns and learn principles for facilitating respectful, patient-centered conversations about sexual health in routine care.

Objectives

• Describe the role of sexual health and intimacy in overall well-being for individuals living with diabetes, including the known and potential indirect effects of GLP-1 receptor agonist therapies (e.g., weight loss, metabolic changes, gastrointestinal side effects, and psychosocial factors), while acknowledging current gaps in the evidence.
• Identify sex-specific, gender-related, psychological, and relational factors that may influence sexual health and intimacy among individuals treated with GLP-1 therapies, including changes in body image, self-esteem, and partner dynamics.
• Differentiate medication-related considerations from diabetes-related complications and other non-pharmacologic contributors to sexual concerns, and apply general principles for facilitating respectful, patient-centered discussions about sexual health as part of routine diabetes care.

About the Speaker

Dr. Janis Roszler is a board-certified sex therapist, licensed marriage and family therapist, certified clinical supervisor, licensed dietitian/nutritionist, and the 2008-2009 diabetes educator of the year (AADE). She received her master’s degree in marriage and family therapy from UMass Boston. Her books include Intimacy & Diabetes, Sex and Diabetes, Approaches to Behavior, Diabetes on Your OWN Terms and The Secrets of Living and Loving with Diabetes. Her articles and medical chapters have been published in textbooks, magazines and peer reviewed journals. She is the former host of Janis’ Jump Start to Good Health and dLife radio shows and authored the popular Dear Janis advice column that was featured throughout the U.S., China and Dubai.