An estimated 35%-75% of diabetic men will have some degree of impotence (also known as erectile dysfunction or ED), over the course of their lives. The link between diabetes and impotence means that they will tend to develop this problem earlier than men without the disease, and the likelihood of impotence in diabetes patients increases with age. It is mainly caused by poor blood circulation, nerve and blood vessel damage, and muscle function – all too common problems for people with diabetes. High blood sugar levels in the body causes excess glucose to build up in the blood, which then becomes attached to proteins in the blood vessels. The vessels will become distorted, making normal blood flow difficult, and leading to many problems, including diabetes and impotence.
Men with Diabetes and Impotence, Cure This Uncomfortable Problem
Medical treatments for ED are well known. Whether it’s for some other reason or for diabetes, impotence is a problem we are all aware of, thanks to all the television ads for Viagra, Cialis, and Levitra. But are these treatments the only answer for diabetic men with impotence? Diabetes sufferers should be aware of other options to treat this problem, especially since these medications might dangerously interact with diabetics’ heart medications. Other cures for diabetes and impotence might include chemical treatments and vacuum constriction devices. As impotence in diabetes can have a psychological component, sex therapy is also recommended in some cases.
Diabetes and Impotence in Men – Can It Be Prevented?
The best way to deal with impotence and diabetes is, of course, to prevent it. Many of the causes of impotence are the same areas of concern for people with diabetes trying to treat other symptoms – high blood pressure and high cholesterol, poor circulation, depression and anxiety, mental fatigue, side effects due to medications, and “bad habits” such as smoking, alcohol abuse, obesity and lack of exercise. In the case of diabetes and impotence, blood flow is crucial, and this can be negatively influenced by smoking and high blood pressure. Adopting healthy lifestyle changes will help to reduce all diabetic symptoms, including diabetes and impotence.
Male Impotence and Diabetes – Start Your Healthy Lifestyle Now!
The first things to do to combat impotence in diabetes is to stop smoking, cut down on alcohol consumption, and start eating a diet rich in fresh fruits and vegetables, fiber and whole grains, and low in saturated fats. For both physical and mental health, begin an exercise regimen. If you haven’t been exercising at all, consult your doctor for recommendations. Men dealing with diabetes and impotence should also know that exercise improves testosterone production, which in turn improves sexual function. These lifestyle changes may take some getting used to, but the benefits for your health in dealing with diabetes and impotence (and many other issues that diabetics face) will prove to be well worth the effort.
