Frequency of Erectile Dysfunction in Type 2 Diabetic Male and its Association with Glycemic Status

Open Access

Abstract

Background: Erectile dysfunction (ED) has a high prevalence (20-85%) in men with diabetes, conferring a threefold increased risk. Its onset is age-dependent and occurs 10-15 years earlier in diabetic patients. In type 2 diabetes (T2DM), key risk factors include age, disease duration, sedentary lifestyle, and glycemic control. This study aims to determine the frequency of ED and its association with glycemic status in males with T2DM. Methods & Materials: This cross-sectional study was conducted in the Department of Dermatology and Venereology and Endocrinology at Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujib Medical University, Dhaka, with IRB approval. Enrolled were randomly selected married male T2DM patients, aged 21-59 years, with a stable spousal relationship. Erectile function was assessed using the validated Bengali IIEF-5 questionnaire. ED severity was classified into no ED (score ≥26), mild (17-25), moderate (11-16), and severe (≤10). Glycemic control was categorized as controlled (HbA1c <7.0%) and uncontrolled (HbA1c ≥7.0%). Result: Among 382 diabetic men, 41.4% had ED (17.8% mild, 13.4% moderate, 10.2% severe). Severe ED was most frequent (59.0%) in the 50-59-year age group. Men with ED had significantly higher glycemic parameters and triglycerides. A diabetes duration of over 10 years was associated with a threefold greater likelihood of ED. Diabetes duration was a key factor, as those with T2DM for more than 10 years were over three times more likely to have ED. Conclusion: Glycemic measures, BMI, age, and longer diabetes duration all showed a strong connection to ED severity, highlighting the need for targeted management.