Podiatrists Chanda L. Day-Houts, DPM and Heidi M. Christie, DPM of Montgomery Foot Care Specialists are passionate about diabetes prevention. That’s because we’ve seen the horrible things that can happen to a person’s feet when diabetes gets the upper hand. But in honor of Diabetes Awareness Month, we have a special message today specifically for men. In addition to the lack of feeling, cracked heels, foot ulcers, wounds that don’t heal, and the threat of lower limb amputation when infections can’t be controlled – diabetes can also be blamed for causing kidney problems, blindness, cardiovascular disease, and – here you go, men – erectile dysfunction.

Diabetes and erectile dysfunction

Studies show a definite link between diabetes and the development of erectile dysfunction:

• as many as 75% of all diabetic men will suffer from erectile issues over the course of their lives
• while the problem affects a lot of older men in general, erectile dysfunction (ED) happens earlier in diabetic men – as much as 10-15 years earlier
• over time, high blood sugar can damage blood vessels and nerves, including the systems that control erection

Only one symptom

There are many signs of diabetes, including constant thirst, increased urination, and extreme fatigue. Men can add erectile dysfunction to the list of symptoms.

But ED can have other causes as well – both physical (prescription drugs, alcohol, smoking, hormonal imbalances, and non-diabetes related nerve or circulation issues) and psychological. If you or your loved one is experiencing erectile dysfunction, talk to your doctor. He or she can perform a full physical, looking for other symptoms of diabetes or ruling out the blood sugar disorder completely.

So, add ED to your list of reasons to avoid developing diabetes. If diabetes is your ultimate diagnosis, however, remember that it’s a disease that affects many parts of your body. Begin performing daily foot checks at home. And check in at least once a year with our expert podiatrists here in Montgomery, Alabama, for preventative foot care. Make an appointment online or give us a call at (334) 396-3668.