Diabetes and Erectile Dysfunction

For many men, a diagnosis of diabetes can be overwhelming, with learning about treatments and how to manage the condition.

But, one thing that can sometimes be overlooked is the link between diabetes and erectile dysfunction (ED).

In this article, we discuss how diabetes can affect your sex life and how to treat erectile dysfunction associated with diabetes.

Type 1 diabetes vs. type 2 diabetes

Of all the people in the UK living with diabetes, around 8% have Type 1 and 90% have Type 2(1).

Type 1 and type 2 are quite different to each other and have their own sets of symptoms.

Type 1 diabetes overview

Type 1 is an autoimmune disease where the body attacks the pancreas, which can no longer make insulin. It’s typically discovered in childhood, and symptoms appear quickly, requiring those with Type 1 Diabetes to use insulin.

Alongside insulin, people with type 1 diabetes need to monitor their carbohydrate intake to balance their blood sugar levels.

Type 2 diabetes overview

Type 2 diabetes is when the pancreas can’t make enough insulin or makes insulin that doesn’t work properly. It tends to develop as you age, with symptoms appearing slowly and can be influenced by family history, ethnicity, and whether you live with obesity. 

With Type 2 diabetes, it might not be necessary to use insulin or other medicines that control blood sugar. Changes in diet and lifestyle, along with regular check-ups, can sometimes be enough.

What's the link between diabetes and ED?

Erectile dysfunction (ED) is the inability to get and keep an erection sufficient for sex. And it’s more common than you think, especially for men with diabetes. Diabetes UK reports that men with diabetes experience ED up to 3 times more than others(2).

Experiencing erectile dysfunction can impact a person both physically and mentally.

Excess blood sugar levels

Diabetes can contribute to ED because difficult-to-control blood sugar levels over a long time can cause damage. This excess sugar in the bloodstream can injure nerves and blood vessels, including those needed for erections.

An erection occurs when arteries in the penis dilate and fill the spongy erectile tissue with blood. Because of the damaging effects of diabetes, damaged blood vessels struggle to relax fully to allow enough blood to flow into the penis.

Neuropathy

Sometimes, nerve damage, known as diabetic neuropathy, can be the cause of diabetes-related erectile dysfunction.

This nerve damage can restrict or completely prevent the signals travelling between the brain and penis needed for arousal and erection. It has been shown to affect men with diabetes almost 50% more than men without(3).

Reduced testosterone levels

Another possible cause of erectile dysfunction is your testosterone level. Diabetes, in particular type 1, can sometimes lead to reduced testosterone levels(4). And with lower testosterone, the desire for sex can often decrease too.

Diabetes, ED, and mental health

Dealing with the physical effects of your diabetes can be challenging and can affect your mental health.

Many men experiencing erectile dysfunction report feeling emasculated, depressed, and frustrated. And, for men with diabetes, it can even cause a level of performance anxiety.

For many men, these negative feelings can put a strain on their relationship as both partners try to navigate the knock-on consequences to their sex life, intimacy and connection.

It’s important not to underestimate how powerful your mind can be over your body. It might be that everything is working perfectly physically, but that anxiety or stress is the culprit for your ED.

If you think it could be the cause, you might be suffering from psychological erectile dysfunction. This is very common but not widely talked about, and can be supported with the help of medication, therapy, and communication.

If you think your ED is from a mental health issue, consult with your GP on the best treatment(s) for you.

Treatments for diabetic erectile dysfunction

Luckily, you can breathe a sigh of relief because there are many treatment options to help you overcome your diabetes-related ED, including ED medication.

The most popular and effective oral ED medications are Sildenafil (the active ingredient in Viagra) and Tadalafil (Cialis).

These two medications can support your sex life without affecting your blood sugar levels.

You can use either sildenafil or tadalafil. Both start working in around 30 minutes, the effects can last up to 4 hours with sildenafil and up to 36 hours with tadalafil. Read more in our tadalafil vs sildenafil article.

Having the help of prescription medication can relieve some stress on your mind. However, it is important to note that there needs to be sexual desire/arousal for these medications to work effectively.

What’s next?

Now that you have the right information, you can confidently approach your GP or a private service like Oxford Online Pharmacy to discuss the best treatment options.

Over 22,000 customers trust our team of UK-registered doctors and pharmacists who value patient safety above all else, so we’ve got you covered.

FAQs

How does diabetes affect a man sexually?

Diabetes might affect a man sexually by reducing testosterone levels, causing nerve damage, or restricting blood flow to the penis.

Speaking with us or with your GP will help you pinpoint exactly how your diabetes is affecting you sexually.

Can a diabetic man be sexually active?

Of course! There is no reason why a man with diabetes can’t or shouldn’t be sexually active.

Can I get free Viagra for diabetics?

On the NHS, people with diabetes are entitled to ED medicines for free. However, it is usually limited to eight tablets per month and only uses approved brands.

Does sildenafil work for diabetic ED?

Sildenafil (the active agent in Viagra), along with Tadalafil (Cialis), are the two most popular medications for treating diabetic ED. Sildenafil takes effect quicker than Tadalafil but doesn’t last as long.

References

1. Diabetes UK [Internet]. 2017 [cited 2024 Jun 6]. Types of diabetes.
2. Diabetes UK [Internet]. 2018 [cited 2024 Jun 6]. Diabetes and sexual problems – in men.
3. Hicks CW, Wang D, Windham BG, Selvin E. Association of Peripheral Neuropathy with Erectile Dysfunction in US Men. Am J Med [Internet]. 2021 Feb;134(2):282–4.
4. Grossmann M, Thomas MC, Panagiotopoulos S, Sharpe K, Macisaac RJ, Clarke S, et al. Low testosterone levels are common and associated with insulin resistance in men with diabetes. J Clin Endocrinol Metab [Internet]. 2008 May;93(5):1834–40.