People withdiabetesare at increased risk of developingerectile dysfunction(ED).
Learn more about erectile dysfunction, how diabetes affects it, prevention, and treatment.
Maskot/Maskot/Getty Images
What Is Erectile Dysfunction?
Maskot/Maskot/Getty Images
ED can present differentlyin different scenarios.
For example, you may not be able to have an erection when you want to have intercourse.
This can be common from time to time but problematic if it occurs often.
Or you’re free to have an erection but not for long enough to satisfy intercourse.
Some people are unable to have an erection altogether.
Over time, elevated blood sugars can reduce the amount of nitric oxide (NO) that is produced.
NO helps to relax the muscles in the penis and increases blood flow.
Can ED Be Reversed?
Due to its complexity and multiple contributing factors, ED treatment can be involved.
This isn’t always simple, as diabetes self-management is also complex and multilayered.
Getting your blood sugar under control and maintaining it is an ongoing process.
Below are some simple steps to get you on your way.
CDCES’s specialize in all things related to diabetes.
Healthy Eating
There is no one-size-fits-all eating plan for diabetes.
The ADA supports a high-fiber diet that is dense in whole foods and limits processed ones.
Understandably we all have different preferences.
Perhaps you want to try aMediterranean, flexitarian, orlow-carbohydrateeating plan.
Daily Movement
Exercise helps to improve circulation and glucose control by improving insulin sensitivity.
Before starting any exercise program, get medical clearance from your physician.
Once you do, find something you love to do and get started.
Start slowly and increase gradually to prevent fatigue and burnout.
Smoking Cessation
Cigarette smoking can lead to vascular dysfunction, a risk factor for ED.
By quitting smoking, you may see improvements in blood flow.
However, more research is needed.
Treatment of ED
Whether ED can be fully reversed depends on a variety of factors.
Treatment of ED includes the same strategies that are needed to prevent it.
Making lifestyle changes, such as the ones mentioned above, can improve blood flow and glycemic control.
In addition, there are several medical and surgical options that are available to people with ED with diabetes.
Certain medications, such as blood pressure medication and medication used to treat depression, can contribute to ED.
Sometimes simply changing a medication can improve ED.
Medicine
Certain medications can help to increase blood flow.
Discuss your options with your healthcare provider.
Other options may include:
Coping
ED can be stressful for you and your partner.
Stress, anxiety, and worry also can make ED worse.
Therefore, it is important to seek out help when you need it.
But ED is preventable and treatable.
If you suspect you have ED, have a conversation with your medical team right away.
Although it might be a difficult conversation, discussing your concerns will help you identify and treat the problem.
Having a healthy sex life can improve quality of life and longevity.
If these changes don’t work, talk to your healthcare provider about medications and other treatment options.
Seek out the help of a mental health professional for emotional support.
Erectile dysfunction happens when you cannot achieve or maintain an erection for an extended period of time.
It has nothing to do with ejaculating.
There is no fast-track approach to curing ED.
However, achieving glycemic control and improving circulation and vascular health are important steps in treating ED.
Discuss your specific issues with your healthcare provider so they can curate the best plan for you.
It may help improve ED by improving glycemic control.
However, other studies suggest it can reduce sex drive, which contributes to ED.
More research is needed.
Kouidrat Y, et.
al.High prevalence of erectile dysfunction in diabetes: a systematic review and metaanalysis of 145 studies.
National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive Disorders.Definition and facts for erectile dysfunction.
2021;38(2):e3494.
doi:10.1002/dmrr.3494
Association of Diabetes Care and Education Specialists.The value of diabetes education.
American Diabetes Association Professional Practice Committee, ElSayed NA, McCoy RG, et al.5.
Facilitating positive health behaviors and well-being to improve health outcomes: standards of care in diabetes2025.Diabetes Care.
2025;48(Supplement_1):S86-S127.
2015;47(10):1087-1092. doi:10.1111/and.12393
U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.Diabetes and men.
Allen MS, Wood AM, Sheffield D.The psychology of erectile dysfunction.Curr Dir Psychol Sci.
2023;32(6):487-493. doi:10.1177/09637214231192269
