diabetes and erection issues

**secretadmirer** · #1 09-01-2009, 07:25 PM

I was recently diagnosed of having diabetes. And now, I am having problems keeping an erection. Could these be related?

**brother** · #2 09-01-2009, 08:54 PM

Diabetes could definitely be the one to blame here.

According to this article, problems with the nerves (neurologic problems) may prevent arousal signals from traveling from the brain and spinal cord to the penis. Diabetes is known to cause nerve damage (Diabetic Neuropathy).

There is some information about the nerve damage of Diabetes at Diabetic Neuropathies: The Nerve Damage of Diabetes

You can also find out more about how to prevent or delay nerve damage and lessen your symptoms at Diabetic Neuropathy (Nerve Damage) and Diabetes - American Diabetes Association

**wordygirl** · #3 09-26-2009, 01:03 PM

It makes sense to me. If the extremities start losing feeling first, it certainly seems like the penis would be included in that. And good circulation seems to be a requirement for a solid erection.

**john13** · #4 11-22-2009, 08:12 PM

My brother has diabetes and he had that problem before he was diagnosed. Now that he has gotten his diet and his blood sugar under control, he has noticed that he is like new.

**NathenEdick** · #5 05-06-2010, 05:37 AM

Between 35 and 50% of men with diabetes experience ED.Men with diabetes are at a higher risk of erectile dysfunction, or impotence, especially if their diabetes is not well controlled. Erectile dysfunction means you cannot have an erection sufficient to perform sexual intercourse. Many men experience short-term episodes of erectile dysfunction but, for about one in 10 men, the problem may continue.

The reasons why men with diabetes are more prone to problems with erectile dysfunction are not fully understood. However, we do know that men with diabetes are more likely to develop erectile problems when their diabetes is not well controlled. Over the long term, poor control may result in increased damage to the nerves and circulation that controls blood flow to the penis. If blood glucose levels are kept in the normal range, it will help reduce the chance of these problems occurring.