Men with diabetes frequently have more trouble getting an erection and have a great incidence of erectile dysfunction then men who do not have diabetes. The fundamental difference between men with and without diabetes is blood flow. Men with diabetes suffer diabetes-related damage to blood vessels through the body, including those which supply blood flow to the penis.
Additionally, poorly controlled diabetes can lead to pervasive nerve damage throughout the body, especially in the feet and other extremities. Diabetes also increases the risk for heart disease, stroke and artery diseases such as atherosclerosis. 
Studies show that about 75% of adults who have diabetes also have some form of artery or blood vessel disease as well. This leads to the issue of restricted blood flow to the body, including the penis, thus contributing to the high incidents of erectile dysfunction in men with diabetes.
Blood Flow Problems with Diabetes
Like heart disease and stroke, diabetes is an illness that damages or impairs blood flow in the body and will have a negative impact of the ability of the blood to flow to the penis and for a man to get an erection. The correlation between general health and erectile function is also high – not just for men with diabetes, but any man who neglects his body may exhibit signs and symptoms or erectile dysfunction.
From men who are obese, who smoke or drink in excess or who abuse drugs, the neglect often reflects in overall vitality and mental, sexual and physical wellbeing. Controlling bad or destructive habits is essential to maintaining overall wellbeing and sexual health – for all men.
Diabetes Can Lead to Erectile Dysfunction
Men with diabetes have it that much harder, because in addition to the general welfare considerations and lifestyle changes they must make, they must also be diligent about controlling their blood sugar. Adult onset diabetes (type 2) can lead to very serious complications in not properly controlled.
Erectile dysfunction is a frequent side effect of diabetes, but there are also life-threatening conditions that can result from failing to properly address diabetes issues. If diligent and constant, many men find that they are able to keep their diabetes under control and, sometimes with the help of medication, keep their erectile dysfunction at bay.
Read an interesting article on Why Men Don’t Talk About Erectile Dysfunction in the AccessRx.com health article section. This article will help you address common issues when talking to your physician about Erectile Dysfunction.
About the Author: Rich Bernstein is a professional health writer who specializes in Men’s Health & Telemedicine.
