This qualitative study explores the perceptions among black African and African-Caribbean people with type 2 diabetes regarding insulin treatment. People’s perceptions of insulin were influenced by four themes: beliefs, quality of life, the health system, and education. Psychological insulin resistance was present with underlying fear, worries and stigma about insulin commonly expressed. Most people taking tablets believed that insulin represented a worse stage of the condition with death imminent. In contrast, most insulin-treated participants held a strong belief in the efficacy of the treatment and how it prolonged life. Barriers that may prevent or delay black African and African-Caribbean people starting insulin need to be addressed through tailored educational interventions. ...

Erectile dysfunction is an important but often ignored and poorly managed condition that should occupy a more prominent position when consulting with people with diabetes. Evidence is now emerging of the link between type 2 diabetes and testosterone deficiency and this article explores this in a little more detail as well as providing a revision of the assessment, investigation and treatment of erectile dysfunction in people with diabetes....