Men with diabetes face a significantly higher risk of erectile dysfunction (ED). Research published in Diabetic Medicine shows that high blood sugar levels can make it much more difficult to achieve and maintain an erection.
A comprehensive analysis of 145 studies involving over 88,000 men, with an average age of 56, revealed a startling statistic: men with diabetes are more than three times as likely to experience ED compared to those with normal blood sugar levels. In fact, 59 percent of men with diabetes had erectile dysfunction.
Another concerning finding from the study shows that men with diabetes often develop ED 10 to 15 years earlier than men without the condition. This early onset of erectile dysfunction is a clear warning sign of the damaging effects of high blood sugar on male sexual health.
How Does High Blood Sugar Affect Erectile Function?
Diabetes harms both the blood vessels and nerves, both essential for a healthy erection. M.D., who has researched the connection between ED and diabetes, explains that this damage compromises a man’s ability to achieve an erection. While Dr. Ske**on was not involved in this specific study, he highlights the role of nerve and blood vessel damage in sexual dysfunction among diabetic men.
Erectile dysfunction can also signal broader health problems, particularly heart disease. The narrowing of blood vessels, a common issue in diabetes, can impact more than just sexual performance. Blood vessels in the penis are smaller and tend to be affected first. This is why ED is often seen as an early indicator of cardiovascular problems.
Take Control of Your Health
The silver lining is that many risk factors for diabetes and erectile dysfunction are within your control. By adopting healthy lifestyle habits, you can reduce your risk of both conditions, benefiting your sexual health and your heart. A simple way to start is by drinking more coffee. A review in the journal Nutrients found that increasing coffee intake by just one cup a day can lower your risk of type 2 diabetes by 6 percent.
Taking proactive steps now can help protect both your sexual function and your overall health in the long run.
Source: Men’s Health
