'Diabetes, erectile dysfunction related'

A study has found that 36 per cent diabetic males in north India suffer from erectile dysfunction after few years of contracting diabetes. The study will be presented at a forthcoming seminar in the city.

Conducted by the Research Society for the Study of Diabetes in India, the study involved 200 diabetic males from Delhi, Rajasthan, Haryana and Punjab. The standard questionnaire of Androgen Deficiency in Aging Males (ADAM) was given to the subjects. Those with low scores were subjected to a testosterone test.

The study found that stimulation of sex glands for the release of hormones that lead to enlargement of penis may be hampered in men with diabetes. The test results revealed that 36 per cent of the males had erectile dysfunction.

“We are not saying diabetes leads to ED, but there is a high association between the two,” said Dr  Rajeev Chawla, study supervisor and diabetes expert at Maharaja Agarsen Hospital.

Sex glands in men, called ‘gonads’ or testes, secrete chemical substance known as testosterone, which maintains sexual functioning. Centrally, the brain sends signals for the release of luteinising hormone from pituitary glands, which act as a trigger for gonads to perform. Among the 200 diabetic males aged between 35 and 60 years in the study, the levels of testosterone and LH were significantly low compared to non-diabetic group.

He said ADAM score is a questionnaire-based test where the person has to answer 10 questions. It is free of cost but effective in establishing early signs of erectile dysfunction.
“Generally, people are hesitant about sharing their sex life. So this test can be very useful for us to know about any discomfort they might be suffering,” he added.

He said it is important to look at diabetes in a holistic way. “We should not consider reduction in glucose levels alone. Diabetes is associated with co-morbidities like depression and heart problems. We should provide treatment that caters to all the diseases associated with it,” said Dr Chawla.

The theme for the eight annual conference on diabetes by RSSDI to be held on Sunday is inspired by this thought and is called “moving from glycemic triad to glycemic composite”, referring to a wider approach to treat diabetes.