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The Question
02/16/09 03:29 AM

"Does high or low blood sugar affect erectile function in men? How does diabetes affect sexual performance?"
Asked By: caldufo  
Category: Sexual Issues

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Expert Answers (1)

10/01/09 02:41 PM

Hello CaldUFO; Diabetes impacts the entire body, with some the complications can be manifested in the eye, kidney, lower extremities, or reproductive organs, only to mention a few. The complication occur from the overexposure to blood glucose, (blood glucose values >140mg/dl AACE-180mg/dl ADA and higher). These excessive glucose molecules fuel a metabolic pathway that damage the communication signals along nerve fibers (or referenced as neuropathy) in a body organ. This neuropathy does generally have a pattern of occurrence from the outer limbs, i.e. Hands, feet, and can gradually impact the bodies' center organs, i.e. gastrointestinal tract, urinary, and other very small vessel areas.

I'm sure you are aware, sexual performance is influenced by both physical and psychological factors. Uncontrolled diabetes can lead to several physical symptoms

  • "too tired, frequent urination at night, other fretful symptoms"
  • diabetes increases the risk to infections
  • you could have nerve damage to the bladder resulting in some incontinence or
  • impotence; (the penis does not become or stay hard enough for sex).

    Half of men with diabetes develop some form of impotent, due to:

  • damage to the nerves in the penis
  • damage to the blood vessels in the penis, inadequate blood flow or
  • continued poor control over the blood glucose levels.

    Once physical causes are ruled out; a discussion with your PCP to investigate psychological cause is then indicated.
    There you have it, when you are 'too sweet', glucose levels too high, nasty things can happen. When, why or where they occur is individual, but, it all comes back to control described as:
    Know the ABC's of diabetes

  • A1C<7%
  • Blood Cholesterol<200
  • HDL>40
  • LDL<100
  • TGs<150
  • blood pressure<130/80mmHg
  • Smoke cessation, alcohol in moderation to none
  • activity to 150 min/wk per MD OK. Be your best. Regards Sue
    • Answered By: Susan Throop
    Accreditations: RD, CDE, MA
    Sources Show

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    *** All information contained on dLife.com is intended for informational and educational purposes only. Our Expert Q&A is not intended to be a replacement or substitute for consultation with a qualified medical professional or for professional medical advice related to diabetes or another medical condition. Please contact your physician or medical professional with any questions and concerns about your medical condition.

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