Association Between Glycemic Control and Erectile Dysfunction in Men with Diabetes Mellitus

Open Access

Abstract

Background: Erectile dysfunction is a common complication of diabetes mellitus that adversely affects quality of life. Chronic hyperglycemia contributes to vascular and neurological damage, which may impair erectile function. This study aimed to assess the association between glycemic control and erectile dysfunction among men with diabetes mellitus. Methods & Materials: This hospital-based cross-sectional observational study included 100 adult men with previously diagnosed diabetes mellitus attending the Department of Dermatology, BIRDEM General Hospital. Glycemic control was assessed using glycated hemoglobin (HbA1c) and categorized as good (<7.0%), fair (7.0-8.9%), or poor (≥9.0%). Erectile dysfunction was evaluated using the five-item International Index of Erectile Function (IIEF-5). Data were analyzed using SPSS version 25.0 and the Chi-square test was used to determine the association between glycemic control and erectile dysfunction. Results: The mean age of the participants was 51.6 ± 8.9 years. The mean HbA1c was 8.3 ± 1.7%. Good, fair and poor glycemic control were observed in 29%, 38% and 33% of patients, respectively. Overall, 78% of participants had some degree of erectile dysfunction, with mild erectile dysfunction being the most common category (24%). A statistically significant association was observed between glycemic control and erectile dysfunction (p<0.001). Erectile dysfunction was present in 48.3% of patients with good glycemic control, 81.6% with fair control and all patients with poor glycemic control. Conclusion: Poor glycemic control was significantly associated with a higher prevalence of erectile dysfunction among men with diabetes mellitus. Regular assessment of erectile function and optimization of glycemic control may improve patient outcomes.