When you have diabetes, it may feel like a perpetual race to find the perfect balance for your blood sugar. If it’s too high, you’ll get dizzy. If it’s too low, you’ll get dizzy. But if you can get it just right, you’ll be okay until your blood sugar inevitably begins to dip again and you’re right back to where you started.
But if you’re afflicted with diabetes, it is imperative to keep a close eye on your blood sugar levels, annoying as it may be. If not taken care of, your blood sugar can lead to health complications, such as high blood pressure and coronary artery disease.
If you don’t practice blood sugar control, you could even see your erection pay the price.
This is due to the fact that poor long-term blood sugar control can lead to major damage for blood vessels and nerves. When your blood vessels are damaged, your body will struggle to supply blood to your lower extremities, such as your penis. If your nerves are damaged, your body may struggle to pass pleasurable feelings from your penis to your brain, which leads to missed erections.
Erectile dysfunction among men with diabetes is incredibly prevalent. Studies have found that men with diabetes above the age of 50 are 60% more likely to develop erectile dysfunction. Above age 70, that likelihood jumps up to a staggering 95%.
It’s impossible to keep your blood sugar perfectly balanced all the time. But if you eat right, don’t let your blood sugar levels run wild, and live healthy, you should be able to stave off erectile dysfunction.