Given the large number of ingredients that can be found in lubricants, good questions are posed by people with diabetes and lovers/partners of people with diabetes:
- Which lubes are sugar-free?
- How do we know which lubes are safe for use with people who need to be sugar-free or watch their blood sugar?
First of all, make sure you are extra vigilant around flavored lubes.
While most flavored lubes do not directly contain sugar or fructose (because it can increase yeast infections in the vaginas of those who use them), many still do.
Particularly lubes designed specifically for fellatio or blow jobs, where sugar is less of an issue.
If you cannot read the ingredients on a flavored lube, stay away, they are the most likely of all kinds of lubes out there to contain sugar in its purest form.
There is good news; many water-based lubes contain an ingredient call glycerin, which is also found in shampoos, soaps, etc.
While some people may have glycerin sensitivity, which usually presents irritation, itchiness, frequent yeast infections, and other reactions around the vulvar and anal regions, diabetic and/or sugar sensitivity are not to fear.
Although glycerin is derived from sugar, the process of creating glycerin changes it enough that using or even ingesting lube that contains glycerin will not and cannot raise your blood sugar.
Something to keep in mind is that many flavored organic lubes or other glycerin-free lubes use sweeteners other than sugar, such as aspartame.
Sliquid Naturals Cherry Vanilla Flavored Lubricant 🍒 | 4.2oz
$14.99
$16.99
Cherry Vanilla Flavored Lubricant Sliquid Naturals Swirl is a group of flavored water-based lubricants, all glycerin, and paraben-free. Condomaniacs LOVE Sliquid Swirl Cherry Vanilla Lubricant because it's... Water-based Sugar & sugar derivative free Lightly flavored to enhance the taste Latex,… Read More
While this is great for those who cannot have sugar, others should keep this in mind as some people have negative reactions to aspartame.
Knowing your own body and its reactions to various chemicals and even natural sweeteners can help you make better decisions about the type or brand of lube you want to use.
One of the safest bets for people with diabetes, those with sugar and sugar substitute challenges, and really, anyone with allergies is a high-quality silicone lubricant. No studies have shown people having reactions to pure silicone lubricant.
Many higher-end versions, just as Pjur Bodyglide and Gun Oil, only have four or five ingredients, most of the different types of silicone or silicone blends.
Pjur "Basic" Silicone Lubricant | 100ml (3.4oz)
$14.99
$18.99
Pjur BASIC Silicone Lube Choosing lubricant can be tough, particularly if you're looking for a basic, high-quality product without any frills or extras. Pjur Basic Silicone is about as simple as you can get. It contains three high-quality silicone ingredients… Read More
This lube is most certainly sugar-free with little or no additives and is great for all types of sex unless you are using silicone toys.
A good read: What to Know Before Using Lube with Sex Toys
Keep in mind that in addition to finding a good sugar-free lube, you should have plenty of water and high-impact snacks available during sex to help regular blood sugar as needed.
If you are concerned, make sure to keep test strips nearby as well, and journal about what makes your blood sugar rise in fall in correlation with sexual activity.