Diabetes and potency

Diabetes is gaining momentum all over the world and is currently recognized as one of the most common chronic diseases. Diabetes affects the eyes, kidneys, heart, and other internal organs. But potency is the first thing to take the hit. Disappointing statistics confirm that 40% of men with diseases of the genitourinary system are diagnosed with diabetes.

Regardless of the scale of the problem, men do not pay attention to the early symptoms of the disease and are not in a hurry to see the doctor. We will make sure you are aware of how diabetes affects men's sexual health so that you no longer have any doubts about whether to seek professional help or wait a little longer.

So, diabetes is a disease that occurs when your blood glucose is too high. There are 2 types of diabetes:

Type 1 diabetes

It is related to a deficiency of insulin in the human body. Insulin is a hormone made in your pancreas. Insulin initiates the uptake of glucose within the cell. If insulin is not produced in sufficient quantities or is not produced at all, glucose cannot enter the cell. Then the glucose concentration in the blood goes up, which in turn leads to the damage of all the cells of your body. Type 1 diabetes often occurs in children. Diabetes also affects adults who have suffered from diseases of the immune system (mumps, pancreatitis, mononucleosis) or pancreatic surgery.

Type 2 diabetes

In this case, enough insulin is produced. But the cells do not respond to it, and the concentration of glucose in the blood remains high. Type 2 diabetes is an acquired disease. It is related to the effects of cortisol, the primary stress hormone, which blocks the action of insulin. When the body is under stress, it needs high blood glucose levels to maintain energy and nourish nerve cells. After all, glucose is the only nutrition there is for our cells.

Among men with type 1 diabetes, disordered potency may be the first symptom indicating the presence of a problem. This means that you need to see a doctor immediately. In cases of type 2 diabetes, disorders do not occur right away. Usually not earlier than 5 years after the onset of the disease.

So here is what diabetes does to potency. When the penis is stimulated, its cells produce nitric oxide. This molecule is of great importance for the oncoming of an erection: muscle fibers relax and blood flows to the penis. By the way, in 1998, three scientists were given the Nobel prize for studying the effect of nitric oxide on vascular walls (including erectile dysfunction). Thus, high blood sugar levels reduce the production of nitric oxide, and affects the spinal nerves as well (they send the impulses necessary for the occurrence of an erection and ejaculation). Moreover, excess glucose in the bloodstream damages the entire capillary bed. That means that the blood circulation of all organs and tissues is disrupted.

Symptoms of type 2 diabetes:

• Excessive thirst
• Itchy skin (including the penis)
• Chronic fatigue
• Dry mouth
• Dry skin
• Frequent urination
• Increased appetite
• Increased heart rate and blood pressure
• Sweating

But the most critical symptom that men can't just ignore is erectile dysfunction.

In order to prevent the development of type 2 diabetes, you should to adhere to the recommendations:

Manage stress

As we mentioned above, cortisol blocks insulin. According to Joshua Joseph of the center for diabetes and metabolism research at the Ohio state medical center, stress relief is an essential component for the treatment and prevention of diabetes. The doctor notes that everyone should find a way to deal with stress and make it a part of their life. You can do yoga, take more walks, or simply read a book.

Lead an active lifestyle

When being physically active, blood circulation increases throughout the whole body. Active blood flow evenly distributes excess sugar to all working organs. Also, the elasticity of the prostate capillaries increases, which means that potency and sexual desire increase too.

Eat a balanced diet

Include more vegetables and complex carbohydrates in your diet. Limit the consumption of refined sugar (or even replace it with fruit), animal fats, and simple carbohydrates.

Overall, only you can prevent the development of such a dreadful disease as diabetes. So you will save yourself from undesirable consequences and protect a high quality intimate interactions. If you do spot any suspicious symptoms, seek specialist advice immediately.