Erectile Dysfunction (ED) is a male sexual condition that impairs a person’s ability to achieve erections.
According to the NIDDK, it affects around 30 million people in the United States. This condition is widespread due to various contributing factors.
The causes can be psychological, such as insecurity about your sexual performance. Yet, ED usually develops due to physical health issues.
One of the leading causes of ED is Diabetes. Men with Diabetes are more prone to developing ED than those without.
This article examines the relationship between Diabetes and Erectile Dysfunction and suggests treatment options.
Table of Contents
Can Diabetes cause Erectile Dysfunction
Source: HenadziDiabetes is one of the most common risk factors for Erectile Dysfunction. It can cause damage to the body that can impair the ability to get erections.
Not everyone with Diabetes has the same likelihood of getting ED. It is more common among people with:
- Have had Diabetes for a long time
- Have Diabetes-related issues such as peripheral neuropathy or diabetic retinopathy
- Have consistently higher blood sugar or A1C levels than your target range
How does Diabetes cause Erectile Dysfunction
Diabetes can harm the nerves and blood vessels that supply the penis, which might result in ED.
A person gets an erection when they are sexually aroused. During sexual stimulation, the body releases nitric oxide in the bloodstream.
Nitric oxide signals the arteries and penis muscles to relax, allowing more blood to enter the penis. This process produces an erection.
Men with Diabetes have frequent blood sugar swings. High blood sugar levels lead to low nitric oxide production.
Due to this, they experience insufficient blood flow in the penis to sustain an erection.
Prevalence of Diabetes-induced ED
Diabetes affects the blood flow and the nerves in the penis. Due to this, it is a common cause of Erectile Dysfunction.
Research suggests that men with Diabetes have a 35 to 75% likelihood of developing ED. The researchers found that men without Diabetes only had a 26% chance of getting ED.
They also had a greater risk of developing Erectile Dysfunction earlier in life. While most men with ED develop erection problems in mid-age, diabetics may develop it 10-15 years earlier.
Diabetes is the leading cause of Erectile Dysfunction. The American Journal of Medicine found that 95% of ED patients had Diabetes or one of its risk factors.
Treatment for Erectile Dysfunction in Diabetes
If you have ED, your doctor will likely recommend an oral Phosphodiesterase-5 (PDE5) inhibitor.
These include medicines like Sildenafil (Viagra), Tadalafil (Cialis), or Vardenafil (Levitra).
These prescription medicines help enhance blood flow to the penis. They are generally well-tolerated by most men.
Having Diabetes should not prevent you from taking one of these drugs. They have no harmful interactions with Diabetes medications such as Glucophage (Metformin) or Insulin.
Best ED pill for Diabetics
Source: rcphotostockSelecting the best ED medication for Diabetes depends on a person’s condition and needs. Your doctor will analyze which medicine works best for you.
Currently, some of the common ED pills available on the market are:
- Viagra (Sildenafil)
- Cialis (Tadalafil)
- Levitra (Vardenafil)
The generic versions of these medicines are also sold under various names. They work the same way as the brand-name versions, but are cheaper.
Viagra
Viagra is the first medicine doctors prescribe for ED. Thus, it may be the best-starting medicine for the condition.
It is available in strengths of 25 mg, 50 mg, and 100 mg. It takes effect within 30 to 60 minutes and lasts around 4 hours.
It is best to avoid taking Viagra with food, especially those heavy in fat. You may consume a light meal if you are hungry.
Viagra may be best for people who want a medicine that can be taken as needed before sexual activity.
Cialis
Cialis, containing Tadalafil, is available in 2.5 mg, 5 mg, 10 mg, 60mg, and 20 mg. It is available in lower concentrations as it is highly potent.
Cialis starts working within 15 to 30 minutes but can take up to 2 hours to reach peak concentrations. It lasts for over 36 hours.
You may take Cialis with or without food. It works best for users who require less planning before sex and prefer taking it as a daily medicine.
Levitra
Levitra, the brand name of Vardenafil, is also a helpful option for diabetic people with ED.
It comes in doses of 2.5 mg, 5 mg, 10 mg, 40 mg, 60 mg, and 20 mg. It is incredibly potent and starts working within an hour. It lasts for around 7 hours.
Levitra may be the best option for people with chronic or stable cardiovascular disease.
When a Diabetic gets ED, it is a symptom that they are developing long-term diabetes issues. Getting your heart, kidneys, and eyes tested may be best.
Damage to erectile function could also indicate damage to other organs.
Diabetes and Erectile Dysfunction — final thoughts
Diabetes and Erectile Dysfunction are common health conditions with a close link.
Diabetes patients frequently experience Erectile Dysfunction. Yet, there are ways to control and treat ED symptoms.
Medications like Cialis, Viagra, and Levitra may be beneficial. But medicines work best when paired with lifestyle changes and diabetes management.
These include lowering blood sugar levels, losing weight, and enhancing mental and physical health.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can Erectile Dysfunction caused by Diabetes be reversed?
With careful blood sugar control, it is possible to prevent or delay the onset of ED. Nevertheless, diabetes-induced nerve and blood vessel damage cannot be reversed.
How do diabetics get rid of Erectile Dysfunction?
You can get rid of ED even if you have Diabetes. Following a healthy lifestyle, getting enough sleep, avoiding smoking, and reducing stress may help relieve symptoms.
Diabetic people may take ED medication with a prescription to deal with their erection problems.
Can a diabetic man get a hard on?
Diabetic men are three times more likely to have trouble achieving an erection than others. Limited blood flow and nerve damage due to Diabetes can make it difficult to get an erection.
Is Viagra OK for diabetics?
You may take Viagra or other ED medications with Diabetes if prescribed by your doctor. ED medicines are well-tolerated by most diabetic people.
Why does Viagra not work for diabetics?
Viagra may not work for diabetics with nerve damage. The nerves and blood vessels play an essential part in erectile function.
Viagra helps produce an erection by increasing blood flow. It cannot do so if there is damage in the blood vessels and nerves.
