Impotence and Diabetes - Explaining the Link

What is the link between impotence and diabetes?

Impotence is a condition which prevents a man from being able to obtain or keep an erection long enough for them to participate in sexual activity. It is a fairly common issue that men suffer from, as there are a number of reasons that can cause it to occur. And one common problem that can cause impotence that is not often thought of is diabetes.

Studies performed on men with diabetes have shown that between 35 and 75 percent of all diabetic men will at some point develop erectile dysfunction, which is the same thing as impotence. The reason for this is that many of the problems that the body can experience as a result of diabetes can have a profound effect on whether or not the body is able to achieve and keep an erection.

The steps the body takes to get an erection are actually quite complex. If one step in the process is disrupted due to complications from diabetes, erectile dysfunction will more than likely occur. This explains the connection between impotence and diabetes.

Diabetic Problems That Can Cause Impotence

High Blood Sugar

One of the leading causes of erectile dysfunction in diabetics is high blood sugar; this is the first link between impotence and diabetes. Having high blood sugar causes nerve damage and blood vessel damage, both of which directly affect one's ability to achieve and maintain an erection.

When the blood vessels become damaged, they are unable to properly release nitric oxide. This release of nitric oxide is essential because nitric oxide is the chemical which sends a message to the arteries in the muscles of the penis that it is time to relax and allow blood flow to come in, which will result in an erection. When the nitric oxide is blocked by the damaged blood vessels, the blood vessels in the penis become constricted and do not allow the amount of blood flow that is needed for a full erection to occur.

High Blood Pressure

Another link between impotence and diabetes is down to hypertension, or high blood pressure. At least 73 percent of adults that suffer from diabetes also suffer from high blood pressure, according to the American Diabetes Association. Men who are diabetic and suffer from high blood pressure are at a higher risk of having erectile dysfunction.

This also stems from improper blood flow to the penis, because high blood pressure can also result in blood vessel damage. Over time, if blood pressure is not properly gotten under control, more severe impotence will eventually occur.

High Cholesterol

The final link between impotence and diabetes to be discussed arises from high levels of cholesterol. High cholesterol is a condition that many men suffer from, especially men with a more westernized diet in the United States.

There also seems to be a higher number of men with diabetes that suffer from higher cholesterol, as compared to non-diabetics. In a person with high cholesterol, fatty deposits form in the artery walls. These fatty deposits not only result in high blood pressure, which also leads to impotence, but can contribute to impotence itself because it not only further reduces proper blood flow to the penis, but also interferes with the body’s ability to allow blood vessels to dilate properly to achieve an erection.

Conclusion

The abovementioned conditions which are more prevalent in diabetics than the general population help explain, to a large extent, why there is a connection between impotence and diabetes.

Read More: More on Erectile Dysfunction / Impotence | Natural Health Remedies for Various Ailments and Conditions | Home Page | Site Search

Click here to learn how to stop erectile dysfunction and start having naturally stiff, powerful, repeat erections tonight.

Click here for natural, herbal and homeopathic remedies for erectile dysfunction or impotence.

	Get Quality Natural Health Supplements at Reasonable Prices. $5 or $10 discount for new customers
Get natural, herbal and homeopathic remedies for hundreds of health conditions and ailments. GO.

New! Comments

Have your say about what you just read. Leave a comment in the box below.

Some Related Erectile Dysfunction / Impotence Pages

Click here for more pages and articles on Erectile Dysfunction / Impotence.