According to Medical News Today, 30 million adults are affected by erectile dysfunction (ED) in the United States. Research has shown that the risk of erectile dysfunction increases due to several factors, including older age, being overweight, smoking, types of cardiovascular disease, chronic liver disease and — it is now being discovered — diabetes. According to the National Institutes of Health, those with type 2 diabetes are two to three times more likely to develop erectile dysfunction than those without diabetes. Read on to learn how ED and type 2 diabetes are linked.
The Link Between Diabetes and Erectile Dysfunction
An estimated 35 to 75 percent of men with diabetes will experience at least some degree of erectile dysfunction, according to WebMD. Studies have shown that a genetic predisposition to type 2 diabetes correlates to a higher likelihood of ED. In addition, diabetes damages healthy blood vessels, nerves and muscle functions that control erections. Healthy blood vessels, nerves and male hormones are all necessary for erections — in other words, even with healthy male hormones, a man might not be able to achieve an erection due to the effects of diabetes.
Treating Erectile Dysfunction
The good news? The correlation between diabetes and ED suggests that reducing one’s risk of type 2 diabetes can also decrease the risk of ED. According to Medical News Today, a study conducted to determine the connection between diabetes, body weight and erectile dysfunction found that lowering one’s risk of diabetes through adopting a healthier lifestyle — specifically, by losing around 33 pounds — also helped men avoid development of erectile dysfunction.
In addition to lifestyle changes, there are also treatments available to remedy the issue. At KC Wellness Center, we offer a proven treatment option for those suffering from erectile dysfunction. Our safe and clinically tested penile rejuvenation therapy provides lasting results. This is a complete and comprehensive rejuvenation program that restores penile circulation and function.
If you are struggling with erectile dysfunction, we can help you get started on your wellness journey! Visit our website to learn how our ED program can work for you, or schedule a free consultation today by calling us at 816-214-5276.