Getting an erection is a complicated process. It involves your brain, hormones, emotions, nerves, muscles, and blood vessels all working in harmony. So, when something affects any of these, it can lead to erectile dysfunction (ED). And this includes diabetes.
Let’s look at how diabetes and erectile dysfunction are connected, what treatments work best for diabetes-related ED, and how to spot the signs that your diabetes might be affecting your erections.
Three key takeaways
Diabetes can cause erectile dysfunction due to prolonged high blood sugar damaging nerves and blood vessels, which affects blood flow to the penis.
If suitable, erectile dysfunction pills like Viagra can be taken by diabetics.
Better management of your diabetes, including stabilising blood sugar levels and losing weight (if needed), can help reverse your erectile dysfunction.
What is diabetes?
Diabetes is a condition caused when your blood sugar (glucose) is too high.
Glucose mainly comes from carbohydrates in your food and drink and is your body’s preferred source of energy. When glucose is in your bloodstream, your body uses insulin to help it reach your cells, where it’s broken down into energy.
However, if you have diabetes, your body either doesn’t make enough insulin or it’s resistant to its effects. This means your body can’t break glucose down into energy, and your blood glucose levels continue to increase.
Why does diabetes cause erectile dysfunction?
“When it’s time for you to get an erection, aroused nerve impulses travel from the brain to the penis. These trigger the smooth muscle in the penis to relax and allow an increase in blood flow. The penis then fills with blood, which makes it bigger and more erect. This means your ability to get an erection is dependent on your blood supply.
“However, having high blood glucose levels over a prolonged period of time can damage your nerves and blood vessels, including the ones that control blood flow to your penis. This can restrict the amount of blood flowing to your penis, making it difficult to get aroused and have an erection.”
Ian Budd, Prescribing Pharmacist at Chemist4U
Type 1 diabetes and erectile dysfunction
Type 1 diabetes is when your body can't make insulin, so you need to take insulin injections to control your blood sugar.
As type 1 diabetes typically develops in childhood or early adulthood, blood vessels and nerves may be exposed to high blood sugar levels for longer, potentially causing damage that can lead to ED.
This means people with type 1 diabetes often develop erectile dysfunction at a younger age compared to those with type 2.
Type 2 diabetes and erectile dysfunction
Type 2 diabetes is when your body becomes resistant to insulin’s effects and eventually doesn’t make enough. It’s typically associated with obesity and poor diet, and can often be managed with lifestyle changes, medications, and sometimes, insulin.
People with type 2 diabetes commonly develop cardiovascular problems, high blood pressure, and high cholesterol. These, along with nerve and blood vessel damage from elevated blood sugar levels, can lead to further health issues like erectile dysfunction.
If your erectile dysfunction is caused by an underlying condition, treatment usually focuses on managing that condition to see if it leads to improvements in the bedroom. With diabetes, this involves keeping your blood glucose levels within a normal range.
How you achieve this depends on whether you have type 1 diabetes or type 2 diabetes:
Treating erectile dysfunction with type 1 diabetes
Can you take erectile dysfunction pills if you have diabetes?
“Yes, most people with diabetes can safely take erectile dysfunction pills, but they’re not suitable for everyone. That’s why it’s important to discuss your medical history with your prescriber beforehand to ensure they’re safe for you.
“Erectile dysfunction medications work by increasing blood flow to the penis when you’re sexually stimulated, helping you to achieve and maintain an erection.
“If managing your diabetes through diet, exercise, and blood sugar control isn’t enough to resolve your ED, speak to your GP or one of our clinicians. They can then recommend an erectile dysfunction treatment, if it’s suitable.”
Our clinicians are here to get you the help you need. They can recommend a range of erectile dysfunction treatments, including both prescription-only and over-the-counter pills.
Getting started is simple. Complete a quick online questionnaire about your erectile dysfunction symptoms and medical history, and our clinicians will review your information to determine if treatment is right for you.
If so, we’ll deliver it quickly and discreetly to your door, skipping the need for in-person appointments.
And if you have any questions or concerns, don’t worry! Our team is here to support you at every step of the way.
Frequently asked questions about diabetes and erectile dysfunction
What happens if a diabetic takes Viagra?
Taking Viagra if you’re diabetic is usually safe and works just how it would for non-diabetics. Of course, ED medicines aren’t suitable for everyone, so it’s important you discuss your current medications and medical history with your prescriber.
Can diabetics recover from erectile dysfunction?
Many people with diabetes can improve or even overcome erectile dysfunction. Keeping blood sugar levels under control is important, as better diabetes management can improve blood flow and nerve function. ED medications like Viagra work well, in addition to lifestyle changes like losing weight (if needed), exercising and eating healthier.
Do men with diabetes have a hard time ejaculating?
Some people with diabetes may experience ejaculation problems due to nerve or blood vessel damage from high blood sugar levels over time. However, it doesn’t affect everyone, and better managing your blood sugar levels can help improve it if you’re having problems.
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