Erectile Dysfunction and Diabetes
ED can have physical causes. One possible cause is diabetes. Diabetes can increase the risk for having ED. In fact, as many as 50 percent of men with diabetes also have ED at some time in their lives.
Diabetes can lead to ED in two ways. First, with diabetes, blood vessels can narrow. This reduces the blood flow to the penis. Second, over time, high blood sugar can damage nerves in the penis. When nerves are damaged in the penis, the penis does not receive messages from the brain.
What can you do?
If you have not been diagnosed with diabetes, your doctor may order blood tests to check your blood sugar levels. ED could be an early warning sign of diabetes. That's why it is so important to let your doctor know if you are having problems with erections.
If you have diabetes, talk with your doctor about a plan to manage your blood sugar levels.
