{"id":28876,"date":"2021-07-27T08:16:00","date_gmt":"2021-07-27T08:16:00","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.bensnaturalhealth.com\/blog\/?post_type=diabeteshealth&p=28876"},"modified":"2026-09-28T11:45:53","modified_gmt":"2026-09-28T11:45:53","slug":"diabetes-and-ed","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.bensnaturalhealth.com\/blog\/diabetes-health\/diabetes-and-ed\/","title":{"rendered":"Diabetes and ED (Erectile Dysfunction): What\u2019s the Link?"},"content":{"rendered":"\n

The CDC<\/em> reports about 34.2 million people have diabetes, accounting for 10.5% of the entire US population. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Diabetes mellitus is a lifelong condition that may increase the risk of many other health problems. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Erectile dysfunction (ED) is one of them. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

What\u2019s the connection between diabetes and erectile dysfunction? <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Scroll down to find out.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The connection between Diabetes and ED<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Diabetes is a risk factor for erectile problems. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

In fact, men with diabetes are three times more likely to develop ED than their non-diabetic counterparts, according to CDC. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

When men younger than age 45 develop ED, it could be a sign of the presence of type 2 diabetes<\/a>. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

The likelihood of getting ED<\/a> often depends on a patient\u2019s age and duration of diabetes.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The relationship between diabetes and erectile dysfunction<\/a> persists, regardless of the type of diabetes you have.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

A report from Boston University Medical Center<\/em> revealed about half of the men with type 2 diabetes diagnosis will develop ED within five to 10 years of their diagnosis. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

What\u2019s more, men who also have cardiovascular diseases such as coronary heart disease or heart disease are even more likely to develop impotence.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The good news is that men with diabetes who focus on a healthy lifestyle can reduce symptoms<\/a> of their condition and improve sexual performance. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Learn more about lifestyle changes further in this post. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Besides ED, diabetes can also cause retrograde ejaculation<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

What causes erectile dysfunction in diabetics?<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

As you can see, the link between diabetes and erectile dysfunction is evident. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

It is impossible not to wonder why it happens. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

The relationship between the two conditions is related to the nervous system and blood circulation. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Diabetes is, after all, the most common cause of autonomic neuropathy (nerve damage that affects basic functions) and a factor for venous outflow.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Inadequately managed diabetes, i.e., high blood sugar levels<\/a>, induces damage on nerves and small blood vessels. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

So, when diabetes damages nerves that regulate sexual stimulation and response, your ability to achieve or maintain a penile erection is impaired too. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Diabetic men may have ED because damaged blood vessels decrease blood flow. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Remember, erection happens when blood fills out chambers in your penis.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Endothelial dysfunction is a common finding in men with diabetes. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Moreover, men with this problem also tend to have low nitric oxide levels, which is necessary for a strong erection. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Additionally, men with diabetes have difficulties relaxing smooth muscles, which also affects their erectile function.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Risk Factors<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Various factors can increase the risk of erectile dysfunction in men with diabetes. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

These include:<\/p>\n\n\n\n