Staying healthy is not easy. There are many factors in living a safe, balanced life for a man. However, one factor that can complicate your sexual health is diabetes.
Diabetes impacts 9% of people in the United States, or at least 30 million people. Let’s explore what diabetes is. After that, the article will focus on the ways that diabetes impacts men’s sexual health. We’ll look at risk factors for erectile dysfunction, issues with your autonomic nervous system (ANS), and lowered Testosterone (T) levels.
What is Diabetes?
The disease of diabetes changes the way your body produces insulin. For some people, this means your body doesn’t make enough insulin; others cannot create it at all. Diabetics can have their blood sugar levels become dangerously high or low if left unmonitored.
People with diabetes often experience many health complications. With diabetes, your risk of cardiovascular disease goes up, as does the potential problems in your eyes, skin, and kidneys. There are also impacts on men’s sexual health, which is alarming because up to 15% of adult men in the U.S. have diabetes, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).
Diabetes and Erectile Dysfunction (ED)
Diabetes can be a contributing factor to ED. ED is a condition where getting and maintaining an erection becomes difficult. Though there are typically several factors that go into a man’s ED condition, including high blood pressure or circulatory issues, men who have diabetes experience ED at a higher rate than those without it. A recent study found that more than 50% of men with diabetes also have ED.
Diabetes and Low Testosterone (Low-T)
Many men experience Low-T without being diagnosed. Many of the men who suffer from Low-T go undiagnosed because their associated symptoms match those with other conditions.
According to the American Diabetes Association (ADA), men with type 2 diabetes are two times as likely to suffer from Low-T as men without diabetes. Some symptoms of Low-T include:
- A drop in your sexual interest
- ED
- Depression
- Lack of energy
Experienced medical professions, like those at Priority Men’s Medical Center, can help diagnose and treat your low-T. We treat our patients with our concierge approach to supporting their unique men’s medical needs.
Diabetes and Your Autonomic Nervous System (ANS)
Many men with diabetes experience problems with their Autonomic Nervous System (ANS). These issues can develop into sexual problems. Your ANS is in charge of opening and shrinking your blood vessels. Diabetes can injure your nerves and blood vessels, especially those in your penis. Slower blood flow from a damaged ANS can present problems for you when trying to achieve an erection. ED can come as a result of these injuries.
Find Help with Your Sexual Healthy Problems When You Have Diabetes
Diabetes already presents enough health risks for you to deal with. If you have experienced problems in your sexual health, consider contacting the supportive staff at Priority Men’s Medical Center. Our tailored approach goes beyond a pill to treat your underlying medical conditions so you can lead a full and happy life.
