What does erectile dysfunction mean in people with diabetes?

An erection needs healthy blood flow and clear nerve communication. Over time, diabetes can affect both, and changes in hormones, mood, sleep or medicines may also contribute. Erectile dysfunction can therefore be a reason to review overall diabetes care, rather than something to feel ashamed about.

The symptom does not show how well a person is managing diabetes on its own. People with diabetes can have erectile difficulty for several different reasons, so an assessment is more useful than self-diagnosis.

Tell your diabetes team or GP when the difficulty began, whether it is constant, and whether sexual desire or erections at other times have changed. Bring your medicine list, including insulin and non-prescription products.

The clinician may review blood glucose management, blood pressure, circulation, nerve symptoms, mood and medicines. Keep taking prescribed diabetes treatment unless advised otherwise. Avoid unregulated sexual-enhancement products, which can interact with medicines or contain undisclosed ingredients.

Book a medical review for persistent or worsening erectile difficulty, especially with numbness, foot wounds, urinary changes or symptoms of poor circulation. Seek urgent help for chest pain, severe breathlessness, fainting, penile injury or a painful erection that does not settle.

Could diabetes, a medicine or another condition be involved? Do I need a review of my glucose, blood pressure or hormone health? Which treatments are safe with my current medicines?