The condition: Vaginal dryness

The low-libido lowdown: Nerve damage to cells that line the vagina can result in dryness, which in turn may lead to discomfort during sexual intercourse. Two-thirds of women with diabetes have vaginal dryness, says Dr. Skugor.

What you can do: Use an over-the-counter water-soluble lubricant or a prescription variety to help with vaginal dryness. If you are in menopause and are struggling with vaginal dryness (which is also a symptom of menopause), talk to your doctor about whether or not hormone therapy is a good option for you.

The condition: Bladder dysfunction

The low-libido lowdown: Diabetes can also damage the nerves that control bladder function, which can contribute to a host of problems, including overactive bladder, urinary urgency, urinary frequency, getting up at night to urinate and urinary incontinence (leakage). In addition, diabetes puts you at a higher risk for recurrent urinary tract infections (UTIs). If you are affected by any of these conditions, "sex is probably not high on the list," says Dr. Petit. Psychologically and physically, you just won't be in the mood.

What you can do: For UTIs, your doctor may prescribe an antibiotic. Drinking plenty of fluids may help prevent another infection. Keeping tight control of your blood glucose levels can help keep these complications at bay.

The condition: Depression

The low-libido lowdown: Individuals with diabetes, particularly those who have the type 2 variety and are morbidly obese, may fall prey to depression. "It could be that they cannot walk, they are limited in the things they can do, their body doesn't look good, people laugh at them or they are discriminated against," says Dr. Skugor.

When you're depressed, you don't want to have sex, he adds. In addition, even if you are not overweight, unmanaged diabetes can bring on sexual problems, and you in turn may become depressed or angry that you can no longer enjoy sex.

What you can do: Talk to your healthcare practitioner to determine whether counseling or medication could help you. And if you're concerned that antidepressants might further quell your desire, take heart: A medication called Wellbutrin (buproprion) generally does not increase sexual problems and in fact "increases orgasmic potential for women," says Dr. Skugor. Certain other newer antidepressants may also reduce the risk of sexual dysfunction in women and men.