Can I get diabetes from my boyfriend if I have sex with him?
– Katharine*
No, you can’t. It’s impossible to get diabetes from another person. Diabetes is a disease that develops inside the body in some people who have the genes for it. Scientists haven’t yet pinpointed exactly what causes diabetes, but they do know it’s not contagious. You can’t “catch” it like you might a cold or mono.
You can’t get diabetes from having sex, but you can get lots of other diseases or infections — like hepatitis, herpes, or HIV (the virus that causes AIDS). The only way to completely avoid sexually transmitted diseases (STDs) is abstinence.
If you and your boyfriend decide to have sex, protect yourselves from STDs and unintended pregnancy by using a condom every time you have oral, anal, or vaginal sex.
People with diabetes might feel “different” because they often need to give themselves shots, test blood sugar, or do other things that make it obvious they have a disease. Everyone handles things in their own way: Some people don’t want anyone to make a fuss or ask questions. Others want to feel understood and supported — especially by the people they feel closest to. Finding out how your boyfriend wants to be treated and respecting his wishes is a great way to show you care.
Reviewed by: Steven Dowshen, MD
Date reviewed: November 2013
*Names have been changed to protect user privacy.
