Diabetes and Men: Risks, Erectile Dysfunction and Other Problems

Key points

• Men are more likely than women to develop type 2 diabetes at a lower weight, partly because they tend to store fat in the belly — a known risk factor.
• Diabetes can cause sexual health problems.
• Men are less likely to talk about them, but they are often treatable.

Why men are at risk of complications

Men are less likely to see a doctor than women — research suggests because they don't want bad news. Undiagnosed or unmanaged diabetes can lead to heart disease, stroke, vision loss, kidney failure and amputation of a toe, foot or leg — and some problems hit below the belt. See diabetes complications.

Erectile dysfunction (ED)

With ED, a man can't get or keep an erection firm enough for sex. It is common in middle-aged and older men, affecting as many as 30 million in the United States.

• Why diabetes raises the risk: high blood sugar damages the nerves and blood vessels an erection needs.
• Men with diabetes are 3 times more likely to have ED — but 95% of cases are treatable.
• Occasional trouble is normal; if it gets worse, happens often or gets in the way of your life, get it checked.
• Heart link: men with diabetes are more likely to have heart disease, and ED can be an early warning of blood vessel problems. Some ED medicines aren't safe with certain heart medicines, so tell your doctor everything you take.

Treatment options include medicines, testosterone, vacuum devices, injections or suppositories and implants. Each has pros and cons, but almost all men with ED can be treated successfully — it's worth the conversation.

Other problems

Diabetic nerve damage can also cause:

• overactive bladder (urinating often, especially at night);
• incontinence (leaking urine);
• urinary tract infections;
• retrograde ejaculation (semen released into the bladder).

These can be signs that blood sugar is too high and your management needs to change. Being active and eating a balanced diet help manage diabetes and prevent or delay complications.

Sources

Based on "Diabetes and Men," Centers for Disease Control and Prevention; a work of the United States government in the public domain.