Diabetes and Impotence
Sexual impotence, especially among men, can be caused by the deleterious effects of diabetes. The neuropathic damage this serious disease can inflict upon the capillaries and consequently the nerves will result in a lessening of sensation and ultimately function to the areas of the reproductive tract that require good blood flow to operate. This effect will increase in proportion to such factors as age, hypertension disorders and cigarette smoking. Even height and weight have their effect on diabetic induced impotence.
As well as nerve damage that prevents proper blood flow, diabetes can slowly destroy the muscles of the body. As this degeneration makes it harder for the body to function properly, the greater the stress level can rise on the individual and the more likely they will find even limited sexual function a possibility.
Continued use of insulin to manage the sorbitol levels in the body cells can at least slow this degenerative condition but there is no cure and, as systems loose function, they will seldom recoup from it. A few experimental drugs have shown some returned increase in function but the side effects still tend to make their use a last resort.
For those who are still able to function at some level, the risk of overexertion can bring on serious complications. As the time involved between activity and the blood sugar manifestations as a result are not immediate, a constant observation must be maintained. Having to anticipate any extra insulin needs can cause imbalances in energy levels that can cause the body to go into a mild shock without warning. This constant need to monitor one's activities can in itself increase the stress to the point of perpetual nonperformance.
Diabetic impotence can also be triggered because of blood pressure. The increased blood flow required for sexual activity can push the body past acceptable limits and also bring on both fatigue and the possibility of a heart attack.
