There are many areas of the body affected by Type 2 diabetes. People are also affected in different ways. What could be a major issue for one person may never affect someone else. Some of these issues are even broken down by gender. While women have their own concerns they have to deal with, one of the main complications for men is erectile problems. Sexual problems are very common, and are often associated with Type 2 diabetes. However, it is important to be aware these also affect other people as well.

It only makes sense since Type 2 diabetes so dramatically affects blood flow it would cause men erectile problems. Typically called erectile dysfunction, or ED, it affects a man’s ability to not only achieve an erection, but to also sustain one. Having diabetes affect so many aspects of your physical life is one thing, but when it interferes with a man’s sexual activities it can be emotionally devastating, as well.

When men are diagnosed with Type 2 diabetes, their chances of acquiring erectile dysfunction increase dramatically. In fact, within the first 10 years following diagnosis, half of all men will suffer from ED. Often, men will not receive a diagnosis for diabetes until they have gone to the doctor for their erectile problem.

Why is there such a connection between erectile problems and diabetes? Simple. Because glucose inflicts the same complications on the body… no matter where the area. Restricted blood flow and nerve damage can affect the legs, feet, hands, and yes, even the penis.

But Type 2 diabetes in itself is not the only culprit. Diabetes also creates a much higher probability of having coronary artery disease. Since a common complication of coronary artery disease involves erectile problems, having a man with both heart disease and diabetes means their likelihood of also developing erectile dysfunction increases almost tenfold.

There are several things that a man can do to ward off erectile problems.

One, is the most obvious: keep their blood sugar levels within the normal range. Now, instead of blaming their diet in order to maintain a healthy weight, having more energy and fighting off other diseases, they can also use erectile problems as a primary reason.

Another way that men can help themselves is to stay fit. Keeping off excess weight and staying trim goes a long way. By reducing your fat intake, keeping your cholesterol level down and maintaining a strong, healthy heart, you increase blood flow and allow vital vitamins and nutrients to make their way throughout your body.

Something else you should cut out: excessive alcohol, drugs and cigarettes. All of these artificial stimulants work against your body. How do cigarettes cause ED? It causes a significant increase in atherosclerosis, which is a hardening of the arteries. What about recreational drugs? It delivers a double whammy. First it actually shrinks the testicles. Second, these drugs lower testosterone levels, which opens the door for ED.

Sometimes a man can do all of the right things and still have this unfortunate issue to deal with. Certain medications have erectile dysfunction as one of their side effects. Blood pressure medication is notorious for this. So are some diuretics and even various medications prescribed for depression. If you notice a problem, then you will want to talk to your doctor about trying another form of medication.

Your doctor can sit down with you to diagnose a cause and treatment options. One of the main forms of treatment involve medications. Besides maintaining a healthy diet and keeping your blood sugar levels under control, there are also some devices which will help to create and maintain an erection.

There is no reason why a man should have to suffer form erectile problems. Let your doctor know what is going on so that he can help you choose the most suitable approach for managing your needs, and talk to you about all options and their implications.

To discover answers to questions you may be asking yourself about Type 2 Diabetes, click on this link… Natural Diabetes Treatments

Clicking on this link will help you to learn more about Type 2 Diabetes Solutions… Beverleigh Piepers RN… the Diabetes Detective.

Beverleigh Piepers is the author of this article. This article can be used for reprint on your website provided all the links in the article are complete and active. Copyright (c) 2010 – All Rights Reserved Worldwide

Tags: body, coronary artery disease, dysfunction, heart disease and diabetes, nerve damage, Type