Diabetes mellitus type 2 might result in erectile dysfunction. Two health issues caused by diabetes i.e. the circulation of blood and nervous issues can result in erectile dysfunction. The cure for erectile dysfunction is done by raising the level of testosterone or replacement of testosterone. Erectile dysfunction resulted from type 2 diabetes can also be treated by improving the circulation of blood in vessels.

Type 2 Diabetes and Erectile Dysfunction

Let’s understand the important terms before starting a brief description of erectile dysfunction and diabetes mellitus type 2. Erectile dysfunction is men specific disease that results in difficulty in erection during intercourse. Diabetes mellitus type 2 is a condition in which the pancreas has no more ability to make insulin in the body. Insulin is necessary to control the sugar level in the blood or urine. When there is no insulin present in the body, the level of sugar will increase and a high sugar level indicates diabetes.

Explanation

Erectile dysfunction and diabetes mellitus correlate with each other. Erectile dysfunction normally occurs due to two reasons. First, changes in hormones like Testosterone level which is the single most common reason for erectile dysfunction. The second reason is not associated with the hormone level changes; it is related to abnormal or poor blood circulation in the body. Diabetes type-2 causes changes in blood circulation towards the penis. Normally it decreases the flow of blood to the penis during an erection. Without proper blood flow, erection quality can’t be sustained. Diabetes also damages the vital structure of blood vessels. Both these problems i.e. blood flow changes and damage to blood vessels due to type-2 diabetes can cause erectile dysfunction. The brief details about these health issues are given below.

  • Blood Abnormality

Type-2 diabetes affects blood circulation as well as the blood veins in the body. When there is a high level of sugar in the blood, it will create various other health complications. The most important problem is damaged blood vessels like arteries, veins, and capillaries. A high level of sugar can form clots in blood vessels which affect the circulation of blood in the body. Diabetes also causes other health problems like Blood pressure, Arteriosclerosis, Heart diseases, High level of Cholesterol. These complications lead to poor flow of blood in and around the penis. When the penis has no proper blood circulation, it impacts the quality of the erection badly. It also causes premature ejaculation and ultimately erectile dysfunction.

  • Nerves Abnormality

Diabetes affects the blood vessels in the body. It also affects the performance of the brain because the blood vessels of the brain can be damaged due to the ill effects of diabetes mellitus. Diabetic Neuropathy is a condition in which the nerves of the brain become weaker. This affects the endocrine system severely. For those who don’t know, the endocrine system is the hormonal system that regulates various hormone productions in the body. When diabetes affects the endocrine system, hormone levels in the body change. As we know, the most important hormone is testosterone that regulates all the sexual activities in men. Testosterone is responsible for the growth and development of secondary sexual characteristics as well. When testosterone level decreases due to ill effects of diabetes, the function of erection will be affected badly that may lead to erectile dysfunction. Hence the diabetes mellitus type 2 will affect the hormonal system of the brain negatively which results in erectile dysfunction.

Treatment and Prevention methods

The negative impacts of diabetes on blood circulation can be prevented with the help of the following methods:

  • Do more exercise, this way one can stay active and physically fit. One can also maintain his weight with exercises. This will reduce the chances of diabetes and other similar diseases.
  • Avoid smoking as it will aggravate the ill effects of diabetes. Also, avoid the use of drugs.
  • Eat healthy foods like fruits and juices and food enriched in proteins. Don’t eat food which contains a high amount of carbohydrates or fat. This way sugar level can be controlled and diabetes mellitus can be managed.
  • Consult with the doctor when you feel symptoms related to diabetes mellitus type 2 and erectile dysfunction. Proper medication can control the blood circulation and neurology of patients.

Reference

  1. https://spectrum.diabetesjournals.org/content/17/4/225
  2. https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/erectile-dysfunction/in-depth/erectile-dysfunction/art-20043927
  3. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3949699/
  4. https://www.healthline.com/health/type-2-diabetes/type-2-and-erectile-dysfunction