While not previously considered a link, it has recently been found that risk for diabetes is twice higher in men with erectile dysfunction, and could be used as a diagnostic tool for early on detection. Recent studies have found the it’s more likely for an undiagnosed type 2 diabetes to occur in men presenting issues in achieving or maintaining an erection.
The study gathered information from over 4,500 men from the United States, all above 20 years old during the National Health and Nutrition Examination Study in between the years 2001 and 2004. The purpose was to find a link between impotence and blood pressure, cholesterol and blood sugar, and while the first two have showed no results, the latter caused worries.
Researchers found that 11.5% of the men who had undiagnosed diabetes had also admitted to issues with erectile dysfunction, compared to the 3% who haven’t confirmed similar problems of sexual nature. Furthermore, the rate lifted even higher for men between the ages of 40 to 59 years old, standing at 19% after tests showing unnaturally high blood sugar.
It’s not an uncommon problem for men who are already diagnosed with diabetes to have trouble in getting and maintaining an erection, as it’s a complication often occurring in the late stages due to damage done to the nerves. However, the link may also lead to early on diagnosis.
The study also emphasized that while issues such as high blood pressure, high cholesterol and high blood sugar might pass by unaware without proper testing, men are much more likely to view erectile dysfunction as a problem and consult a doctor. Which makes the matter much more pressing for medical professionals to inquire about and advise further testing.
Around 50% of the men over the age of 40 years old have reported problems in maintaining blood flow to the penis, which is usually a marker for possible heart problems in the future. However, the study has shown that the issue might be a clue to previously undetected diabetes.
The researchers also made sure to point out that they found no cause-and-effect relationship between erectile dysfunction and type 2 diabetes, only a matter of likelihood. There is no data to prove that the first might cause the later, even if there are confirmed reports of men having issues in the bedroom after being diagnosed.
The rate of patients with confirmed cases of diabetes has been rapidly growing, doubling since 2000, and causing concerns that if it keeps up, 1 in 3 people might be diagnosed with the condition by 2020. Researchers emphasize the need for men with erectile dysfunction to further inquire tests from physicians and doctors, because it could help them catch the disease early on.
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