Recognising diabetes symptoms in men
Symptoms of diabetes
Early symptoms of diabetes are often undetected because they may be mild or non-specific. Some of the mildest early diabetes symptoms include:
frequent urination
unusual fatigue
blurred vision
weight loss, even without dieting
tingling or numbness in the hands and feet
If you are living with diabetes, effective treatment can help to prevent complications from occurring. Complications may include issues with your:
skin
eyes
kidney
heart and cardiovascular system
nerves, including nerve damage
Possible signs of complications related to diabetes can include:
bacterial infections in your eyelids (styes) or hair follicles (folliculitis)
infections under the fingernails or toenails
stabbing or shooting pains in your hands and feet
All of these are signals that you may be experiencing complications from diabetes.
Diabetes symptoms in men
Diabetes can also cause symptoms related to male sexual health. These can include:
Erectile dysfunction (ED)
Erectile dysfunction (ED) is the inability to achieve or maintain an erection.
It can be a symptom of many health issues, including:
high blood pressure (hypertension)
kidney disease
circulatory conditions
nervous system conditions
obesity or overweight
Stress, smoking, or certain medication can also cause ED to occur.
Males with diabetes have a greater chance of developing ED. According to a 2017 meta-analysis of 145 studies, over 50% of men with diabetes have erectile dysfunction. The study included males with either type 1 or type 2 diabetes, with no distinction in the results between the two.
If you are living with diabetes and develop ED, diabetes may be the underlying cause.
Damage to the autonomic nervous system (ANS)
Diabetes can harm the autonomic nervous system (ANS) and lead to sexual problems.
The ANS controls the widening or constricting of your blood vessels. If the blood vessels and nerves in the penis are injured by diabetes, ED can result.
Diabetes can damage blood vessels and nerves needed to achieve an erection. This is another common cause of ED among males with diabetes.
Retrograde ejaculation
Males with diabetes can also face retrograde ejaculation. This results in some semen being released into the bladder. Symptoms may include noticeably less semen released during ejaculation or absence of ejaculation.
Urologic issues
Urologic issues can occur in males with diabetes due to diabetic nerve damage. These include:
overactive bladder
inability to control urination or leaking urine
trouble urinating
urinary tract infections (UTIs)
Other sexual issues
If you are living with diabetes, you may experience lower testosterone levels than others. Aging can naturally reduce your testosterone levels, leading to a loss of interest in sex, tiredness, and a depressed mood, but diabetes and obesity increase the likelihood of having lower levels.
Lower testosterone can lead to ED and other sexual health issues.
You may also experience a reduced sperm count. This can make it more difficult to conceive.
You may also increase your chance of developing Peyronie’s disease or penis curvature. The curve can make sexual intercourse more difficult and painful.
Type 1 vs. type 2 diabetes
Experts do not separate out symptoms in males with type 1 vs. type 2 diabetes, as most symptoms that affect either sex are generally the same. The difference usually lies in how long it takes symptoms to become noticeable and does not depend on a person’s sex. That symptoms tend to progress faster in type 1.
The complications, such as ED, occur due to high blood sugar levels, and can occur in both types if not well controlled.
That said, some things can be seen as different in males regarding type 1 or type 2. For example, both types of diabetes can cause low testosterone. However, it suggested that males with type 2 diabetes are twice as likely to have this issue compared to people who do not have diabetes.
Seeking help
Talking frankly with a doctor or healthcare practitioner about ED and other sexual or urologic complications may help. Simple blood tests can help diagnose diabetes.
Investigating the cause of your ED or other issues may also help you discover other undiagnosed issues that may be contributing factors.
Risk factors in men
Many factors can increase your chance of developing diabetes and its complications, including:
smoking
being overweight
avoiding physical activity
having high blood pressure or high cholesterol
being older than 45
belonging to certain groups such as African-American, Hispanic, Native American, Asian-American, and Pacific Islander
Preventing diabetes symptoms in men
Type 1 diabetes has different risk factors. You are more likely to develop it as a child or teen and have a family history of the condition.
Quitting smoking, exercising regularly, and maintaining a healthy weight are all effective ways to help prevent the onset of diabetes.
Treating diabetes symptoms in men
If you are living with type 2 diabetes, chances are good that a healthcare team will help you develop a treatment plan that includes lifestyle modifications. Often, changes, such as exercise and dietary changes, can help you control your blood sugar levels.
If these are not effective, a doctor may recommend medications to help keep your blood glucose levels under control and prevent urological and other diabetes-related complications.
If you do develop diabetes-related problems, medications are available to help treat them.
Lifestyle changes
Lifestyle changes may greatly impact your physical and mental well-being if you live with type 2 diabetes. They may also be all you need to do in order to keep your blood sugar at healthy levels.
Balancing your meal’s macronutrients can improve your overall health, keep blood sugar levels consistent, and delay the onset of diabetes symptoms. Try to get an even mixture of:
starches and whole-grain carbs
fruits and vegetables
fats
proteins
You should avoid excess sugar in foods and drinks such as fizzy drinks, juices, processed foods, and confectionery.
You can also benefit from a regular exercise schedule. This can help you feel better and also help you achieve or maintain a healthy weight.
Along with changes to diet and exercise, you will need to monitor your blood sugar levels regularly. This allows you to know if what you are doing is working and if you need to talk with your doctor about the possibility of medication.
Monitoring your blood sugar levels can also help you figure out what your symptoms of high or low blood sugar levels feel like. If you write this information down or record it, you can use signs of high or low blood sugar levels to help you know when to take action.
Finally, you may find that taking steps to manage stress, such as exercise, meditation, or therapies, may help manage diabetes.
Extracts taken from Jenna Fletcher from www.healthline.com