A 2017 systematic review and meta-analysis of 145 studies and published in Diabetic Medicine, has found that erectile dysfunction (ED) occurs in 52.5% of men with diabetes with the rate significantly higher among men with type 2 diabetes compared to men with type 1 diabetes.  This was the first meta-analysis to assess the prevalence of ED in diabetes. 

“It has been known that erectile dysfunction can be a common occurrence in men with diabetes but it was unclear as to the extent of it,” explained Dr. David Samadi. “With the results from this study, all men who have diabetes should automatically be screened for erectile dysfunction and any man with erectile dysfunction should automatically be screened for diabetes.”

The purpose of the research was to assess the prevalence of ED in diabetes by searching major databases from inception to November 2016.  Assessed were studies reporting ED in men with both type 1 and type 2 diabetes.  Included in this analysis were 145 studies representing 88,577 men with an average age of 55 years.  After adjusting for publication bias, the meta-analysis showed that ED occurred in 52.5% of men with diabetes.  When men with type 2 diabetes were compared to men with type 1 diabetes, those with type 2 had a significantly higher rate of 66.3% versus 37.5%, respectively.  Overall, there was a 3.62 times greater risk for ED among men with diabetes. 

“There are many quality of life complications of diabetes.  In men, erectile dysfunction is the third most frequent complication they experience. In fact, men with diabetes tend to develop ED 10-15 years earlier than men without diabetes,” stated Dr. Samadi.  “Not only is the odds of ED in men with diabetes more frequent but it is also higher in men over the age of 60 which is consistent with the Massachusetts Male Aging Study,  That study showed men with diabetes have a threefold probability of having ED compared to men without diabetes.”

The researchers also pointed out that as the average age of the population of the world rises, so does diabetes which may be a partial explanation of the worldwide prevalence of ED which is estimated to be at 322 million cases by the year 2025.

“Another concerning fact associated with diabetes and ED is the direct link between ED and cardiovascular disease.  It is known that ED is a marker of early atherosclerosis,” said Dr. Samadi.  “All men with diabetes should have a routine assessment of their cardiovascular risks which should also include screening for ED. It just makes sense since men with ED are at an increased risk for cardiovascular morbidity and or mortality as well as for all-cause death.”

Dr. Samadi went on to add, “Bottom line, as a physician, we should remember other  factors that tend to go along with diabetes such as advanced age, duration of diabetes, poor glycemic control, hypertension, hyperlipidemia, a sedentary lifestyle, and smoking all have been shown to be associated with diabetes-related erectile dysfunction in cross-sectional studies.  This makes it even more imperative to use my skills and expertise in helping these men with diabetes and ED, improving the quality of their life.”

Patients newly diagnosed with prostate cancer can contact world renowned prostate cancer surgeon and urologic oncologist, Dr. David Samadi, for a free phone consultation and to learn more about prostate cancer risk, call 212-365-5000.