Erectile Dysfunction May Be Linked To Undiagnosed Type 2 Diabetes

Men with erectile dysfunction might have twice the risk for undiagnosed type 2 diabetes than men without such sexual problems, says a new study. According to the study’s lead researcher Dr. Sean Skeldon from the University of Toronto in Canada, the effect chances are more among middle-aged men 40 to 59 years old.

"The probability of having undiagnosed diabetes increased from one in 50 in men without erectile dysfunction, to one in 10 in men with erectile dysfunction,” said Skeldon.

The researchers collected data of more than 4,500 men aged 20 years and above and have taken part in the US National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey from 2001 to 2004.

The researchers studied the association between erectile dysfunction and undiagnosed high blood pressure, high cholesterol and type 2 diabetes.

Researchers found the prevalence of undiagnosed diabetes was 11.5 percent in men with erectile dysfunction compared to 3 percent of men without the disorder.

The rate of undiagnosed diabetes in men aged 40 to 59 was 19 percent in men with erectile dysfunction and 3 percent in those not having such problems.

However, the study has only found a link between erectile dysfunction and type 2 diabetes. It has not proved any cause-and-effect relationship between the health issues.

"Men with erectile dysfunction should see their doctors to ensure they are properly screened for diabetes. Doing so may help prevent heart disease down the road. Conversely, doctors should ensure that they perform the proper screening for men with erectile dysfunction,” said Skeldon.

Source-Medindia