Though
diabetes and ED (Erectile Dysfunction) are two separate conditions, they tend
to go hand-in-hand. According to the National Institute of Diabetes and
Digestive and Kidney Diseases, men
with diabetes are two to three times more likely to develop erectile
dysfunction. In many cases, problems with achieving or maintaining an erection
is an early clue that you may be diabetic, particularly in men 45 and under.The poorly controlled blood sugar levels associated with diabetes can damage small blood vessels and nerves. Damage to the nerves that control sexual stimulation and response can impede a man’s ability to achieve and erection firm enough to have sexual intercourse. As well, reduced blood flow from damaged blood vessels also contributes to erectile dysfunction.
Risk Factors
There are several risk factors that increase your chances of complications from diabetes, including ED.
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- Uncontrolled blood sugar
- Obesity
- Poor diet
- Inactivity
- Smoking
- Excessive alcohol consumption
- Uncontrolled hypertension
Lifestyle Changes to Reduce the Risk of ED
There are lifestyle changes you can make to not only help you with your diabetes, but also to lower your risk of erectile dysfunction.- Control your blood sugar through diet. Eating a diabetes-friendly diet will help you to control blood sugar levels and lessen the amount of damage to your blood vessels and nerves. A proper diet geared at keeping glucose levels in check will also improve your energy levels and moods which can also contribute to erectile dysfunction.
- Cut back on alcohol consumption. More than two drinks per day can damage your blood vessels and worsen ED. Being even mildly intoxicated can also make it hard to achieve an erection and interfere with sexual function.
- Stop smoking. Along with all of the other health reasons that you hear about, smoking narrows the blood vessels and also decreases levels of nitric oxide which decreases blood flow to the penis, worsening erectile dysfunction.
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