Diabetes is a disease that occurs when a person’s blood glucose or sugar level is in an increased state and the body is unable to produce enough insulin which is responsible for transforming food into energy.
There are two types of diabetes, of which type 1 diabetes is a condition in which the body is unable to produce insulin because the immune system attacks and destroys the cells in the pancreas that produce it. In type 2 diabetes the body cannot produce insulin and is also unable to use them effectively.
How Sexual Health Is Related To Diabetes?
Diabetes leads to too many problems and the major one among them is the sexual dysfunction of the body. Men with diabetes face a lack of sexual urges which may incapacitate them from fulfilling biological requirements. Unfortunately, many people do not realize the reason for their low libido until they get diagnosed with diabetes.
Diabetes and sexual dysfunction
Sexual dysfunction is a condition in which the person lacks sexual desire or interest and is incapable of carrying out activities pertaining to reproduction.
The connection between diabetes and sexual dysfunction
Diabetes makes men incapable of carrying out sexual activities because there is no scope for any meaningful erection. This occurs due to the damage of nerves and blood vessels that make it possible.
Types of sexual dysfunction in Men with Diabetes
1. Erectile dysfunction
Erectile dysfunction or ED is the problem of not getting an erection due to insufficient blood flow among other things in men’s genitalia.
2. Retrograde ejaculation
Retrograde ejaculation is the problem of semen unable to emerge through the penis and instead enter the bladder. This is one of the major reasons for men’s infertility.
3. Reduced sex drive
Men experience reduced sex drive due to a multitude of problems like stress, anxiety, and exhaustion. It is very much possible that diabetes could be a villain behind this and it may induce all the above conditions once it gets a free run in the body.
Mechanisms of how diabetes causes sexual dysfunction
Diabetes causes erectile dysfunction as discussed earlier which is the prime reason for the inability of rendering sexual activities.
Risk factors for sexual dysfunction in men with diabetes
1. Age
Diabetes is prone to occur in both young and old people alike. Age plays much less of a factor as far as it goes. However, the severity of diabetes increases depending on how long a person is suffering from it.
2. Duration of diabetes
There is no cure for diabetes though it is very much possible to lead a completely normal life if adhered to medicines and a strict dietary plan cutting excessive sugar intake.
3. Poor glycemic control
Poor glycemic control or uncontrolled and continual spike in the sugar levels in the blood for a long period can contribute to severe health problems and can prove fatal to diabetes patients.
4. Cardiovascular complications
A diabetic patient is twice likely to get cardiovascular problems compared to a non-diabetic patient. This is due to the fact that diabetes can damage blood vessels and nerves that control the heart.
5. Psychological factors
Diabetes can lead to patients suffering from depression, anxiety, and eating disorders. Hence, proper mental and physical aid should be provided to help them.
Treatment options for sexual dysfunction in men with diabetes
- Lifestyle modifications
Regular exercise along with a diet plan void of sugary food can have magical effects on diabetes. It can prepare to improve the sexual well-being of a diabetic patient immensely.
- Medications
Proper medications can improve the sexual life of those who suffer from diabetes. Some of the medical procedures that can immensely benefit are given below.
- Phosphodiesterase inhibitors
Phosphodiesterase inhibitors are agents responsible to act on the phosphodiesterase enzymes in the target cell that can address the issue of erectile dysfunction.
- Intracavernosal injections
Intracavernosal injections involve direct injection of potency-enhancing medication directly into the male genitalia that can boost erectile functioning.
- Testosterone replacement therapy
Testosterone replacement therapy is good in improving the sexual drive and energy in men. It may increase bone density, muscle mass, and insulin sensitivity.
Conclusion
In this article, we had an overview of diabetics and discussed types of sexual dysfunction, and treatment options, and also covered medications, and types of treatment available.
Diabetes can ruin the sexual life of individuals and hence proper medical advice should be imparted to those to overcome the situation from deteriorating.
Diabetics, as discussed, are bound to affect the sexual lives of individuals in the most negative way possible. Hence, it would be advisable to seek the medical treatment that we have gone through in order to maintain meaningful relationships.
Also, Read – How Many Carbs Are Allowed On Keto? Plan Your Diet Today!
I’ve been dealing with type 2 Diabetes since I had problems with hole in my Pancreas due to Gal Stones But it’s getting better with a good Diet