Melinda Glynn, RN

Does being diabetic affect your sex life?  It can, especially if you are a man.  It is estimated that about half of diabetic men who have had the disease for many years, who suffer from neuropathy, and probably have not maintained good blood sugar control, are plagued with sexual dysfunction.  Above the age of 55, the likelihood of having difficulties with erection occurs in about 70% of men with diabetes.

   Erectile dysfunction is defined as the inability to achieve and/or maintain an erection on at least half the occasions a man attempts to do so.  What occurs is not loss of libido or desire for sexual gratification, but the ability to have an erection. Just as sustained high blood sugar can damage the nerves and small and large blood vessels throughout the body, they can damage the nerves and blood vessels leading to and within the penis.

   The Mayo Clinic suggests the following ways to minimize the occurrence of erectile dysfunction:

•  Control your blood sugar level.  Good blood sugar control can prevent the nerve and blood vessel damage that leads to erectile dysfunction.

•  Limit your alcohol.  Drinking more than 2 drinks a day can damage your blood vessels and make erectile dysfunction more likely.

•  Give up smoking.  Smoking constricts blood vessels and reduces circulation.

•  Reduce stress.  Stress can hamper erections.

•  Get physical.  Regular exercise can keep your arteries clear and boost your stamina.

•  Fight fatigue.  If you're well-rested, you're less likely to struggle with erectile     dysfunction.

•  Deal with anxiety and depression.  Anxiety, depression, and the fear of having     erectile problems can cause erectile dysfunction or make it worse.