Type 2 Diabetes increases the risk of several other health conditions. Patients with diabetes have to manage their glucose levels and experience other issues that impact their emotional and physical lives. One such impact is the problem of erectile dysfunction. Erectile dysfunction is when a man cannot have or maintain an erection.

Even though there is always the option of erectile dysfunction treatment, it is always better to understand the root cause. Instead of popping erectile dysfunction pills, it is advisable to understand the impact of diabetes on your body and how it causes erectile dysfunction.

Understanding the Relation Between Erectile Dysfunction & Diabetes

Men with type I or type II diabetes are at an increased risk of erectile dysfunction or ED. Even though most men develop ED as they age, those with diabetes may develop erectile dysfunction five to ten years earlier than others. Some reasons why diabetes causes erectile dysfunction are listed below –

          i.            Damage to Blood Vessels – Diabetes means excess sugar in the bloodstream. Excessive sugar in the bloodstream damages small blood vessels, also known as microvascular disease. If the smaller blood vessels in the penis suffer damage due to diabetes, it gets difficult to have and maintain an erection.

         ii.            Low Testosterone Levels – Men with diabetes tend to have low testosterone levels. Low male hormone levels make it difficult for men to have and maintain an erection.

       iii.            Depression – Men with diabetes may get depressed or anxious due to the stress managing their medical condition. Depression causes erectile dysfunction.

Managing Erectile Dysfunction with Diabetes

Every person is different, and therefore there is no one answer to how to manage or avoid erectile dysfunction when living with diabetes. However, there are some recommended tips and precautions that everyone can follow to lead a normal life despite erectile dysfunction and diabetes.

Lifestyle Changes

Efforts to live healthier by exercising and eating a healthy diet can help maintain an average blood sugar level in men with type 1 and type 2 diabetes. Here are some essential lifestyle changes to make –

·         Balanced Diet & Exercise – Experts recommend that if you have diabetes, you must switch to a diet low in fats and instead eat foods with high fiber content. Moderate physical activity up to twenty minutes a day also helps overcome ED without the need for erectile dysfunction pills.

·         Reduce Stress – Stress and tension in a relationship are significant causes of ED. Reduce the stress in your relationship by having an honest conversation with your partner or attending counseling sessions can improve your condition.

·         Quit Smoking – Smoking is bad for diabetes and erectile dysfunction. Smoking reduces the body’s ability to regulate insulin, worsening your diabetes and increasing its impact on erectile dysfunction.

·         Losing Weight – Even a slight weight loss can help improve erectile dysfunction and increase libido in men. Exercise and a rise in metabolism increase testosterone levels and help in overcoming ED.

Medicines for Erectile Dysfunction

Doctors may advise you to take some drugs for erectile dysfunction treatment in some cases. Medications for erectile dysfunction improve blood flow to the penis and enable you to get and maintain an erection. Here are some commonly prescribed medicines for ED –

·         Erectile Dysfunction Pills: Viagra (Sildenafil), Cialis (Tadalafil), or Levitra (Vardenafil) – These pills ease the blood flow to the penis and make it easier for you to get an erection. Talk to a doctor at MedsNow to know if these medicines are safe for diabetes and ED. Book an online consultation and get the drugs delivered to your doorstep.

·         Hormone Therapy – For men who have low testosterone levels, doctors recommend hormone therapy for erectile dysfunction. It helps with ED and increases sexual drive. But hormone therapy can harm heart health.

·         Penile Injection Therapy – An injection of alprostadil directly into the penis at the time of intercourse is given to men who do not respond to hormone therapy. This hormone injection improves blood supply to the penis and enables the body to have an erection.

·         Vacuum Pump Therapy – A vacuum pump connected to a plastic tube is placed over the penis. The pump empties the air from the penis drawing blood into it, thus enabling an erection. Then place a ring on the base of the penis to maintain the erection during the intercourse.

Diabetes is a significant cause of erectile dysfunction; if you have erectile dysfunction in diabetes – discuss your condition with a doctor to understand the best course of treatment for you. Do not make any drastic changes to your lifestyle or diet without consulting a doctor first.

Author Bio: Krishma Patel is the Co-founder and the Superintendent Pharmacist at MedsNow, an online pharmacy in the UK that provides health and wellness products and treatments along with free online consultations. She is passionate about showcasing the integral function community pharmacies can play in supporting the healthcare system and the NHS by providing patients with high quality, safe and discreet access to healthcare at their convenience. Along with being the co-founder of MedsNow, Krishma is also the Director and the Superintendent Pharmacist of Enimed Ltd., an independent pharmacy group comprising 32 branches.