Diabetes and erectile dysfunction
Men with diabetes are more likely to have erectile dysfunction, and they often get it at a younger age. The reason is simple: over time, high blood sugar can damage the blood vessels and nerves that erections depend on.
How diabetes affects erections
- Blood vessels: high blood sugar can narrow and stiffen arteries, reducing blood flow
- Nerves: nerve damage can weaken the signals that start an erection
- Related conditions: high blood pressure, high cholesterol, and low testosterone are more common with diabetes
Louisiana has one of the highest diabetes rates in the country, so this affects a lot of families here.
Ready for next steps? Read how to find ED care in New Orleans and Metairie, including what a good first visit looks like and the questions worth asking.
Not sure where to start? We list trusted places to get checked in Louisiana, from community health centers to men’s health clinics. See where to get care.
Signs of diabetes to watch for
Some men find out they have diabetes because of ED. Other signs include being very thirsty, urinating often, blurry vision, slow-healing cuts, tingling in the feet, and feeling tired. A simple blood test can check.
What helps
- Keeping blood sugar, blood pressure, and cholesterol in your target range
- Moving more: even a daily walk helps blood flow
- Quitting smoking
- Losing even a modest amount of weight if you carry extra
- Asking your doctor about ED treatment: pills work for many men with diabetes, and there are other options when they don’t
Don’t assume ED is just part of having diabetes. Bring it up at your next diabetes checkup. See ED treatment options.
Sources
Where to get care
Any of these is a good next step. Pick the one that fits you.
- Aspire Health and Wellness†. A men’s health clinic in Metairie specializing in erectile dysfunction and weight loss, with free private visits and a range of treatment options. Visit aspireneworleans.com.
- Your primary care doctor. A good first stop. They can check your heart, blood sugar, and hormone levels.
- A urologist. A doctor who specializes in men’s urologic and sexual health.
- A community health center. Fees are based on income, with or without insurance. Find a community health center.
- Louisiana Medicaid. If you qualify, it covers doctor visits and prescriptions. See if you qualify.
- Veterans. Southeast Louisiana VA Health Care offers men’s health care for enrolled veterans.
† Affiliated with Aspire Community Care. We’re a nonprofit and don’t provide medical care; choose any provider that fits you.
Not sure where to start? Tell us what’s going on and we’ll help you find a next step. What you share stays private.
Keep reading
ED Treatment Options
Pills, injections, devices, and newer options, explained plainly.
ED and Your Heart
Why erectile dysfunction can be an early warning sign of heart disease.
Low-Cost Care in Louisiana
Checkups and care with or without insurance.