How does diabetes affect erectile dysfunction (ED)?
-
Dr. Harris McIlwain answered:Fifty to sixty percent of diabetic men over age 50 have erectile dysfunction at some time. Erection problems may even be the first sign noticed by a patient before they know they are diabetic. It is thought that the nerves which supply the penis and allow erection are affected by the continuous high blood glucose level. This is usually a temporary problem and when the blood glucose becomes normal or closer to normal then erection can resume as it was earlier. If the blood glucose is well controlled by following the proper diet and taking medications as planned by you and your doctor, there may no more problems with erection.
Diabetes can also cause erectile dysfunction that is long lasting. The most common causes of this are damage to nerves and blockage of blood vessels by atherosclerosis. This happens most commonly to the nerves in the legs, especially those that supply the feet and legs below the knees.
Fifty to sixty percent of diabetic men over age 50 have erectile dysfunction at some time. Erection problems may even be the first sign noticed by a patient before they know they are diabetic. It is thought that the nerves which supply the... More
