Complete, personalized diabetes care under one roof with one copay.TM
Diabetes care can be a full time job. Let us help.
Living with Diabetes
Erectile Dysfunction and Diabetes - Facts, Prevention and Treatment
There are 7.5 million men with diabetes in North America. It is estimated that half have erectile dysfunction (ED) and the other half will eventually suffer from the disorder. The process involves premature and unusually severe hardening of the arteries. Peripheral neuropathy, with involvement of the nerves controlling erections, is also commonly seen in men with diabetes.
How do emotions and stress affect diabetes?
Stress and emotions can affect the blood glucose level and cause it to rise. When the body is faced with an emotional situation or stress, several things happen. The body responds to stress by releasing hormones, such as glucagon, cortisol and adrenalin, all of which act to raise blood sugar levels. As a result of this increase in blood glucose, you may be further “stressed” because you cannot get your diabetes under control. Stress and emotions that are causing problems with your diabetes control are clues that you may need help in managing or reducing your stress level.
Many men with diabetes also have erectile dysfunction (ED)
Erectile dysfunction can be an early sign of diabetes in men who have not been diagnosed with diabetes.
A man with diabetes is two to five times more likely to develop ED than a man who does not have diabetes. Other factors that increase the likelihood of developing ED include poor glycemic control, insulin dependence and tobacco use.
Men with diabetes tend to develop ED 10-15 years earlier than men without diabetes. Men with diabetes account for the majority of patients seen in ED specialty clinics.
More than 50% of men develop ED within 10 years of getting diabetes.
9% of men with diabetes age 20-29 experience ED. 50%-60% percent of men with diabetes over age 50 have some problem with ED. 95% of men with diabetes experience ED by age 70.
50%-75% of men with diabetes will experience some degree of ED during their lives.
Commonly prescribed drugs can also cause ED. It is important to discuss your issues with your physician to determine the best course of treatment.
Treatments for ED include oral and topical medications and devices. More than half of patients respond to oral medications.
Prevention is the best way to “treat” ED. Tight blood sugar control, along with blood pressure and cholesterol control and smoking cessation may avoid or delay ED.
