What is diabetes? Diabetes is a disease in which the body cannot produce enough insulin, cannot use the insulin, or a combination of both. In diabetes, blood sugar levels rise. This can cause complications if left unchecked. The potential health consequences are often serious. Diabetes increases the risk of cardiovascular disease and can cause eye, kidney, and skin problems, among other disorders. Diabetes can also lead to erectile dysfunction and other urological problems in men. However, many of these complications are preventable or treatable. What are the symptoms of diabetes in men? Diabetes can also cause symptoms in men that are related to sexual health. Erectile dysfunction Erectile dysfunction is the inability to achieve or maintain an erection. The condition can be a symptom of many health problems, including high blood pressure, kidney disease, and diseases affecting the circulatory or nervous systems. Erectile dysfunction can also be caused by stress, smoking, or an adverse drug reaction. Men with diabetes are at risk of erectile dysfunction. According to a meta-analysis of 145 studies, more than 50 percent of men with diabetes develop erectile dysfunction. When erectile dysfunction occurs, it is good to think about diabetes as a possible cause of the problem. Autonomic Nervous System Damage Diabetes can damage the autonomic nervous system and lead to sexual problems. The autonomic nervous system controls the dilation or constriction of blood vessels. If blood vessels and nerves in the penis are damaged by diabetes, erectile dysfunction can occur. Blood vessels can be damaged by diabetes, which can slow blood flow to the penis. This is another common cause of erectile dysfunction among men with diabetes. Retrograde ejaculation Men with diabetes can also experience retrograde ejaculation. This causes some of the seminal fluid to be released into the bladder. Symptoms may include significantly less semen released during ejaculation. Urological problems Urological problems can occur in men with diabetes due to diabetic nerve damage. These include an overactive bladder, inability to control urination, and urinary tract infections. What are the risk factors for developing diabetes in men? Many factors can increase the risk of diabetes and its complications, including: Smoking; Overweight; Reduced physical activity; High blood pressure or high cholesterol; Age over 45 years. Stopping or reducing smoking, exercising, and maintaining a healthy weight are very effective ways to prevent diabetes.It is essential to consult a doctor in the event of erectile dysfunction and other sexual or urological complications. Blood tests can help diagnose diabetes. Investigating the cause of erectile dysfunction can also help uncover other undiagnosed health problems. Keeping blood sugar levels under control can help prevent urological and other diabetes-related problems. If diabetes-related problems develop, there are medications to help treat them. References: 1. National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases. Diabetes, sexual and bladder problems 2. American Diabetes Association. Erectile dysfunction: What causes ED? 3. Mayo Clinic Staff. (2017). Diabetes management: How lifestyle, daily routine affect blood sugar 4. Healthline. Recognizing Diabetes Symptoms in Men