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02/20/06
12:36 AM
"I am a 22 year old male and have had diabetes now for almost 8 years. I am on a pump and have fairly good control of my diabetes. My questions is regarding my sex drive. Recently I have not have very much desire at all. Is this due to diabetes and is it unusual for a diabetic male to experience such problems this young?"
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Expert Answers (1)
02/20/06
12:36 AM
Answer: High blood sugars can certainly affect a man’s ability to have a satisfactory erection. You mentioned that your diabetes is currently under control using the pump. That’s great! However, if during much of your 8 years’ time with diabetes, you had consistently high blood sugars, it may have caused some damage to the nerves or blood vessels that are involved with a normal sexual response. Let’s don’t jump to that conclusion too hastily, though. Let’s look at other possible causes: (1) Low Testosterone level is a possible cause of low sex drive. Recent studies show that men with diabetes are more than twice as likely as their non-diabetic counterparts to have low testosterone levels. Other symptoms of low T may include fatigue, increased body fat, decreased muscle mass, and depression. Treatment for low T is by skin patch, gels or injections. Ask your doctor to order a T-level blood test. (2) Do you have high blood pressure? If your blood pressure is not well controlled, it can reduce the amount of circulating blood to the genitals. Some blood pressure medications can have sexual side effects. (3) Do you suffer from depression? Depression, if not treated, can affect many aspects of life, including sexual response. Many depression medications can also have sexual side effects. Your doctor or pharmacist can tell you which medications can affect sex drive. If you take any of these medications, discuss alternative medications with your doctor. No one should have to suffer in silence regarding a sexual concern. Your sexuality defines much of your personhood, so keep searching until you find an answer. Best of luck!
Virginia Zamudio, RN, MSN, CDE
Financial Disclosure
Virginia Zamudio, RN, MSN, CDE
Financial Disclosure
Accreditations: MD
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