Ten-year incidence of self-reported erectile dysfunction in people with long-term type 1 diabetes

Global prevalence of erectile dysfunction and its associated risk factors among men with type 1 diabetes: a systematic review and meta-analysis

Various observational studies have examined the prevalence and determinants of erectile dysfunction (ED) in men with type 1 diabetes across different geographical areas. Nevertheless, a comprehensive systematic review and meta-analysis to consolidate the worldwide prevalence and risk factors remains lacking. Hence, the primary study objective was to perform an extensive systematic review and meta-analysis that specifically examined ED prevalence and determinants in men with type 1 diabetes. A thorough exploration was conducted by examining electronic databases, such as PubMed, Embase, and Web of Science. The general ED prevalence and a 95% confidence interval (CI) in men with type 1 diabetes were summarized. The relevant risk factors were analyzed by deriving a comprehensive odds ratio (OR) from merging the ORs using fixed- or random-effects models. The sources of heterogeneity were investigated using subgroup analyses and meta-regression. This systematic review and meta-analysis included 19 articles involving 3788 men with type 1 diabetes. The meta-analysis revealed that men with type 1 diabetes had a combined ED prevalence of 42.5% (95% CI: 34.3%-50.8%). This prevalence showed significant heterogeneity (I2 = 96.2%, P < 0.01). Meta-regression revealed that age (P = 0.016) and type 1 diabetes duration (P = 0.004) were significant causes of heterogeneity. Furthermore, the ED risk in men with type 1 diabetes was significantly influenced by age, type 1 diabetes duration, body mass index, glycated hemoglobin (HbA1c), retinopathy, and smoking habits (all P < 0.05). In summary, this systematic review and meta-analysis revealed a significant prevalence of ED in men with type 1 diabetes, highlighting the importance of clinicians addressing concerns regarding ED in this specific group of individuals.

Risk factors for erectile dysfunction in diabetes mellitus: a systematic review and meta-analysis

Background

Previous studies have established that diabetes mellitus (DM) markedly raises the risk of developing erectile dysfunction (ED). Despite extensive investigations, the risk factors associated with ED in diabetic men have yet to be unequivocally determined, owing to incongruent and inconclusive results reported in various studies.

Objective

The objective of this systematic review and meta-analysis was to assess the risk factors for ED in men with DM.

Methods

A comprehensive systematic review was conducted, encompassing studies published in the PubMed, Scopus and Embase databases up to August 24th, 2023. All studies examining the risk factors of ED in patients with DM were included in the analysis. To identify significant variations among the risk factors, odds ratios (ORs) and their corresponding 95% confidence intervals (CIs) were employed. The risk of bias was evaluated using the Newcastle-Ottawa Scale(NOS) for longitudinal studies and the Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality Scale(AHRQ) for cross-sectional studies.

Results

A total of 58 studies, including a substantial participant pool of 66,925 individuals diagnosed with DM, both with or without ED, were included in the meta-analysis. Mean age (OR: 1.31, 95% CI=1.24-1.37), smoking status (OR: 1.32, 95% CI=1.18-1.47), HbA1C (OR: 1.44, 95% CI=1.28-1.62), duration of DM (OR: 1.39, 95% CI=1.29-1.50), diabetic neuropathy (OR: 3.47, 95% CI=2.16-5.56), diabetic retinopathy (OR: 3.01, 95% CI=2.02-4.48), diabetic foot (OR: 3.96, 95% CI=2.87-5.47), cardiovascular disease (OR: 1.92, 95% CI=1.71-2.16), hypertension (OR: 1.74, 95% CI=1.52-2.00), microvascular disease (OR: 2.14, 95% CI=1.61-2.85), vascular disease (OR: 2.75, 95% CI=2.35-3.21), nephropathy (OR: 2.67, 95% CI=2.06-3.46), depression (OR: 1.82, 95% CI=1.04-3.20), metabolic syndrome (OR: 2.22, 95% CI=1.98-2.49), and diuretic treatment (OR: 2.42, 95% CI=1.38-4.22) were associated with increased risk factors of ED in men with DM.

Conclusion

Our study indicates that in men with DM, several risk factors for ED have been identified, including mean age, HbA1C, duration of DM, diabetic neuropathy, diabetic retinopathy, diabetic foot, cardiovascular disease, hypertension, microvascular disease, vascular disease, nephropathy, depression, metabolic syndrome, and diuretic treatment. By clarifying the connection between these risk factors and ED, clinicians and scientific experts can intervene and address these risk factors, ultimately reducing the occurrence of ED and improving patient management.

Erectile Dysfunction in Individuals with Type 1 Diabetes is Associated with Long-term Metabolic Control and Diabetic Complications: A Cross-Sectional Study

Background  Erectile dysfunction (ED) affects approximately 38% of individuals with type 1 diabetes (T1DM). Skin autofluorescence (AF) reflects skin advanced glycation end product (AGE) deposits and is a marker of long-term glycemia control. Objective  The study investigates the relationship between ED and diabetes control in patients with T1DM. Methods  Adult patients with T1DM visiting the Diabetology Department were cross-sectionally investigated. Medical history, anthropometric features, and laboratory findings were collected. All individuals filled the International Index of Erectile Function (IIEF-5). IIEF-5 total score < 22 represented the presence of ED. AF was measured on the volar aspect of the forearm using AGE Reader. Insulin resistance (IR) was assessed by the estimated glucose disposal rate. Descriptive statistics and multivariate logistic regression analyses were performed. The adjusted covariates were general risk factors of ED. Results  Of a total of n  = 70 patients, n  = 30 (42.9%) suffered from ED. The presence of ED was associated with higher glycated hemoglobin level (OR, 95% CI; 1.62, 1.02-2.60; p  = 0.043), presence of at least one diabetic complication (3.49, 1.10-11.03; p  = 0.03), and skin AF (9.20, 1.60-52.94; p  = 0.01), but not with IR (0.78, 0.57-2.60; p  = 0.12). Skin AF values ≥ 2.2 indicates presence of ED with a sensitivity of 70.0% and a specificity of 77.5%. Area under the curve was equal to 0.72 (95% CI: 0.60-0.85). Conclusions  The presence of ED in individuals with T1DM is associated with HbA1c, the presence of at least one diabetic complication, and skin AF.

Comments on "The improvement Effects of Gordonia bronchialis on Male Fertility of Rats with Diabetes Mellitus Induced by Streptozotocin"

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Male and female sexual dysfunction in diabetic subjects: Focus on new antihyperglycemic drugs

The association between diabetes mellitus (and its micro- and macro-vascular complications) and erectile dysfunction is widely known and the presence of hypogonadism may further complicate sexual dysfunction and quality of life, given the association between hypogonadism and reduced libido, ejaculatory disorders, and depressive symptoms. However, the recent introduction of novel antidiabetic agents with a wide range of mechanism of action may have a significant impact both on male and female sexuality directly (by inducing side effects as urinary tract infections) and indirectly (improving metabolic status and reducing diabetes complications behind sexual dysfunctions). To date only few papers are reporting the sexual effects of these treatments and, often, these are not comparable in their results. Conversely, female sexual dysfunctions are somehow under-investigated. Data on prevalence is heterogeneous and specific pathogenic mechanisms, as well as the burden of psychological factors, are still heatedly debated. The aim of this narrative review is to summarize current knowledge and stressing out the need to diagnose male and female sexual dysfunctions also in light of the impact of treatments with novel antidiabetic agents. This would highlight the still unmet needs for sexual care in a diabetes care setting and could represent an incentive for future discussions, as well as a required theoretical starting point for studies on this subject.

Blood pressure, antihypertensive medication use, and risk of erectile dysfunction in men with type I diabetes

OBJECTIVE

To gain insight into the effect of blood pressure on the pathophysiology of diabetic erectile dysfunction, we determined the onset, severity and treatment of hypertension and risk of incident erectile dysfunction in men with type I diabetes.

METHODS

This prospective cohort study included 692 men without prevalent erectile dysfunction in the Epidemiology of Diabetes Interventions and Complications study. Erectile dysfunction was assessed yearly for 16 years with a single question querying presence of impotence. Multivariable cox proportional hazards models examined associations of hypertension variables with risk for incident erectile dysfunction.

RESULTS

Over 7762 person-years of follow-up, 337 of 692 men reported incident erectile dysfunction representing an unadjusted rate of 43.4 cases per 1000 person-years. Risk of erectile dysfunction significantly increased with each 10 mmHg of SBP elevation for those not taking antihypertensive medications, after adjustment for age, cigarette smoking and HbA1c levels [relative risk (RR) = 1.21, 95% CI = 1.04-1.41]. This relationship disappeared among those reporting antihypertensive medication use (RR = 0.96, 95% CI = 0.84-1.10) and the interaction between SBP and medication use was statistically significant (P = 0.02). Antihypertensive medication did not confer any reduction of erectile dysfunction risk, with similar rates across all measures of blood pressure and hypertension.

CONCLUSION

Among men with type 1 diabetes not using antihypertensive medications, higher SBP is associated with increased risk of developing erectile dysfunction. These findings provide evidence to support further investigation into the potential benefit of early blood pressure control on risk of erectile dysfunction in men with diabetes regardless of age, blood pressure level, or glycemic control.

Premarriage Counseling in Type 1 Diabetes

Type 1 diabetes is a challenging illness and needs lifelong diabetes self-care. At the same time, there is a significant stigma associated with it, especially with relation to marriage. There are concerns related to premarriage disclosure, marital relationship, ability to procreate, risk during pregnancy in women, and the risk of disease in children. In this document, we discuss the issue of disease-related stigma which may become a significant challenge for a prospective spouse and the impact of type 1 diabetes on marital relationships and procreation. We also highlight the need for premarriage counseling to ensure long-term success in achieving both individual and interpersonal well-being.

Longitudinal Patterns of Occurrence and Remission of Erectile Dysfunction in Men With Type 1 Diabetes

BACKGROUND

Men with diabetes are at greater risk of erectile dysfunction (ED).

AIM

To describe the natural history of ED in men with type 1 diabetes.

METHODS

We examined up to 30 years of prospectively collected annual ED status and demographic and clinical variables from 600 male participants in the Diabetes Control and Complications Trial (DCCT; 1983-1993) and its follow-up study, the Epidemiology of Diabetes Interventions and Complications (1994-present; data in this study are through 2012).

OUTCOMES

Yes vs no response to whether the participant had experienced impotence in the past year and whether he had used ED medication.

RESULTS

Sixty-one percent of men reported ED at least once during the study. For some men, the initial report of ED was permanent. For others, potency returned and was lost multiple times. Visual display of the data showed four longitudinal ED phenotypes: never (38.7%), isolated (6.7%), intermittent (41.8%), and persistent (12.8%). Men who never reported ED or in only 1 isolated year were younger, had lower body mass index, and better glycemic control than men in the intermittent and persistent groups at DCCT baseline. In a multivariable logistic model comparing men at their first year reporting ED, men who were older had lower odds of remission and men who were in the conventional DCCT treatment group had higher odds of remission.

CLINICAL TRANSLATION

If validated in other cohorts, such findings could be used to guide individualized interventions for patients with ED.

STRENGTHS AND LIMITATIONS

This is the first examination of ED with repeated measures at an annual resolution, with up to 30 years of responses for each participant. However, the yes vs no response is a limitation because the real phenotype is not binary and the question can be interpreted differently depending on the participant.

CONCLUSIONS

Age, glycemic control, and BMI were important longitudinal predictors of ED. We have described a more complex ED phenotype, with variation in remission patterns, which could offer insight into different mechanisms or opportunities for intervention. If validated in other cohorts, such findings could be used to establish more accurate prognostication of outcomes for patients with ED to guide individualized interventions. Palmer MR, Holt SK, Sarma AV, et al. Longitudinal Patterns of Occurrence and Remission of Erectile Dysfunction in Men With Type 1 Diabetes. J Sex Med 2017;14:1187-1194.

The effect of Bongardia Chrysogonum on prostate tissue in a rat model of STZ-induced diabetes

Background

Bongardia chrysogonum is widely used in Turkey for treating urinary tract infections and prostate hypertrophy, and it also has potent hypoglycemic effects and aids glucose homeostasis. Because of the inflammatory conditions in diabetes mellitus (DM), the prostate tissue of men with diabetes is particularly susceptible to developing hypoplasia, and DM produces characteristic pathological changes in prostate tissue. Here, we examined the effects of B. chrysogonum on the prostate tissue of rats with streptozotocin (STZ)-induced diabetes.

Results

The glucose levels were statistically significantly higher in the diabetic rats than in healthy controls (P < 0.001). Further, they were significantly lower in the healthy and diabetic rats administered B. chrysogonum than in the untreated diabetic rats (P < 0.001 and 0.05, respectively). The total cholesterol levels were significantly lower in the healthy rats administered B. chrysogonum than the healthy controls (P < 0.05) and diabetic rats (P < 0.01). They were also significantly lower in the diabetic rats administered B. chrysogonum than those that were left untreated (P < 0.05). The testosterone levels were significantly lower in the untreated diabetic rats than in the controls (untreated ones and those administered B. chrysogonum) and diabetic rats administered the herb (P < 0.001, 0.05 and 0.01, respectively). The oxidative stress index was significantly higher in the untreated diabetic rats than the healthy controls (P < 0.05). It was also significantly lower in the healthy and diabetic groups treated with B. chrysogonum than the untreated diabetic rats (P < 0.05). Histological examination showed no changes in the prostate tissue of the non-diabetic rats. In the diabetic group, the glandular lumens were filled with cellular debris and leucocytic infiltrate, and the glandular epithelium was degenerated and thickened. In the diabetic group treated with B. chrysogonum, the epithelium was better preserved and less debris was seen in the glandular lumen.

Conclusion

To our knowledge, this is the first study to histologically prove the effects of B. chrysogonum on prostate tissue in diabetes. Our findings may be useful in developing B. chrysogonum into a therapeutic agent against diabetes and benign prostate hyperplasia.

Sexual Dysfunction in Type 2 Diabetes at Diagnosis: Progression over Time and Drug and Non-Drug Correlated Factors

Aims

To present the longitudinal data of the SUBITO-DE study, a prospective survey involving male patients with new or recently diagnosed type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) (<24 months).

Materials and Methods

Sexual function was assessed in male patients with T2DM at baseline (phase 1) and after a mean follow-up of 18 months (phase 2). Standard metabolic parameters and sexual and depressive symptoms were evaluated.

Results

Six of the 499 enrolled patients died of different causes during phase 1. Of the 493 surviving men invited to participate in phase 2, 450 (mean age 59.0±9.0 years) (90.2%) accepted and 43 (8.2%) were lost to follow-up. As compared to baseline, the proportion of the men who reported improvement in erectile dysfunction (ED) at follow-up was nearly double that of the men who reported worsening of ED (22.6% vs. 12.8%). The increase in frequency of sexual activity the men reported at follow-up assessment indicates that many never treated before baseline were taking an ED drug during the study period (106 subjects). Phosphodiesterase type 5 inhibitors (PDE5i) were the ED drugs most commonly taken at both baseline and follow-up. An overall improvement over baseline values was observed in metabolic targets for T2DM and depressive symptoms. Conversely, no change in lifestyle behaviors was recorded during the study.

Conclusions

Sexual dysfunction is a major concern in men with T2DM. The SUBITO-DE study demonstrates that, when combined with adequate counseling and tailored PDE5i therapy, an integrated approach to achieving metabolic targets in men with T2DM can improve sexual function as well as depressive symptoms.

Erectile dysfunction and its management in patients with diabetes mellitus

Diabetes can be described as a syndrome of multiple closely related conditions induced by a chronic state of hyperglycaemia resulting from defective insulin secretion, insulin action or both. Chronic complications associated with diabetes (including neuropathy, vascular disease, nephropathy and retinopathy) are common, and of these, erectile dysfunction (ED) deserves special attention. ED and its correlation with cardiovascular disease require careful evaluation and appropriate treatment. PDE5 inhibitors (PDE5is) are an important tool for the treatment of ED, with new drugs coming onto the market since the late 90s. This review offers an overview of PDE5is and their use in treating ED in diabetes. We underline the differences between different types of PDE5i, focusing on available doses, duration of action, T ½, side effects and selectivity profiles in relation to patients with diabetes. We also discuss the link between diabetes and ED in presence of various associated cofactors (obesity, hypertension and its pharmacological treatments, atherosclerosis, hyperhomocysteinaemia, neuropathy, nephropathy, hypogonadism and depression). Finally a number of past and ongoing clinical trials on the use of PDE5is in patients with diabetes are presented to offer an overview of the appropriate treatment of ED in this condition.

Prevalence of sexual desire and satisfaction among patients with screen-detected diabetes and impact of intensive multifactorial treatment: results from the ADDITION-Denmark study

OBJECTIVE

Sexual problems are common in people with diabetes. It is unknown whether early detection of diabetes and subsequent intensive multifactorial treatment (IT) are associated with sexual health. We report the prevalence of low sexual desire and low sexual satisfaction among people with screen-detected diabetes and compare the impact of intensive multifactorial treatment with the impact of routine care (RC) on these measures.

DESIGN

A cross-sectional analysis of the ADDITION-Denmark trial cohort six years post-diagnosis.

SETTING

190 general practices around Denmark.

SUBJECTS

A total of 968 patients with screen-detected type 2 diabetes.

MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES

Low sexual desire and low sexual satisfaction.

RESULTS

Mean (standard deviation, SD) age was 64.9 (6.9) years. The prevalence of low sexual desire was 53% (RC) and 54% (IT) among women, and 24% (RC) and 25% (IT) among men. The prevalence of low sexual satisfaction was 23% (RC) and 18% (IT) among women, and 27% (RC) and 37% (IT) among men. Among men, the prevalence of low sexual satisfaction was significantly higher in the IT group than in the RC group, p = 0.01.

CONCLUSION

Low sexual desire and low satisfaction are frequent among men and women with screen-detected diabetes, and IT may negatively impact men's sexual satisfaction.

Sexual dysfunction as a marker of cardiovascular disease in males with 50 or more years of type 1 diabetes

OBJECTIVE

Vascular dysfunction is a major contributor to diabetes complications. It is also the primary physiologic cause of erectile dysfunction and considered an independent predictor of cardiovascular disease (CVD) in males over age 40 years. A cohort of individuals with 50 or more years of type 1 diabetes, Joslin Medalists, have low rates of small but not large vessel complications. This study aims to identify the prevalence and longitudinal association of sexual dysfunction (SD) with CVD in Joslin Medalists.

RESEARCH DESIGN AND METHODS

Description and association of self-assessment of SD in males of the Medalist cohort by self-reported sexual problems with CVD. SD is validated through the use of the abbreviated International Index of Erectile Dysfunction (IIEF).

RESULTS

Of 301 males in the Medalist Study, 69.8% reported a history of SD. Unadjusted risk factors included elevated glycated hemoglobin (HbA1c) (P=0.02), elevated BMI (P=0.03), higher total cholesterol (P=0.02), lower HDL (P<0.01), and increased levels of interleukin-6 (P=0.03). SD was independently associated with CVD (age-, HbA1c-, and BMI-adjusted OR 1.9 [95% CI 1.0-3.5]). In adjusted analyses, retinal, neural, and renal complications were not associated (P>0.05) with SD. Current report of SD (IIEF score≤17) in a subset of Medalists was significantly correlated with self-reported longitudinal SD.

CONCLUSIONS

SD in those with extreme-duration type 1 diabetes is independently associated with CVD, representing a large-vessel pattern. The findings suggest that SD may predict CVD in those with type 1 diabetes of long duration. These individuals have also been found to be relatively free of microvascular complications.

Muslim prayer movements as an alternative therapy in the treatment of erectile dysfunction: a preliminary study

[Purpose] Our objective was to assess the effect of salat and mimicking salat movements and postures on subjects with erectile dysfunction. [Methods] Ten volunteers were recruited in this study. Subjects who were Muslims (Group I) were asked to perform their daily salat and a new intervention of an additional 12 movement cycles of salat for three sessions a week. Non-Muslim subjects (Group II) were taught to mimic salat movements, and were asked to perform a total of 12 movement cycles without reading the recitation for three sessions a week. An International Index for Erectile Function 5 (IIEF-5) questionnaire was given to the subjects before and after the intervention of performing salat or mimicking salat movements and postures. A nocturnal electrobioimpedance volume assessment (NEVA) device was used to measure the nocturnal penile tumescence (NPT) parameters over two consecutive nights. A nonparametric test was conducted to find the significant NPT parameters. [Results] The results showed that all measured parameters improved significantly, with the largest change observed in the maximum percent volumetric change over the baseline (from 138 to 222%). [Conclusion] This preliminary study suggests that the alternative approach of salat and mimicking salat movements and postures, may have beneficial effects for ED patients.

Fertility in people with childhood-onset type 1 diabetes

AIMS/HYPOTHESIS

To assess the number of live births in a population-based, retrospective cohort of women and men with childhood-onset type 1 diabetes, and matched controls.

METHODS

The reproductive histories of people in a Finnish cohort of 2,307 women and 2,819 men with type 1 diabetes and two matched controls (for each case) were obtained from National Population Register data. All persons with diabetes were diagnosed with the disease in 1965-1979 at the age of 17 or under. A proportional hazards model was used to model the association between the rate of live births as a function of the age of an individual and the observed covariates (sex and age at onset of diabetes).

RESULTS

Both women and men with diabetes had a smaller number of live births than the controls; the HR of having a first child for diabetic women compared with controls was 0.66 (95% CI 0.62, 0.71) and for men was 0.77 (95% CI 0.72, 0.83). In women, a birth cohort effect was detected; in more recent birth cohorts, the difference between diabetic women and controls as regards having children was significantly smaller than in earlier cohorts. Later age at onset of diabetes was associated with a higher rate of having a first child among men (p = 0.04) and having a second live birth among women (p = 0.002).

CONCLUSIONS/INTERPRETATION

Type 1 diabetes affects the number of live births in both women and men. The age at onset of diabetes is associated with the pattern of reproduction in both diabetic women and men.

Erectile dysfunction and diabetes: a review of the current evidence-based medicine and a synthesis of the main available therapies

AIM

This review aimed to provide an update of the epidemiology, pathophysiology and management of erectile dysfunction (ED) in diabetes patients.

METHODS

Data on the management of ED in diabetes patients in the literature were analyzed using Medline, and by matching the following keywords: diabetes; erectile dysfunction; endothelial dysfunction; cardiovascular disease; phosphodiesterase inhibitors; intracavernous injection; and penile prosthesis.

RESULTS

ED has a higher incidence in diabetic patients. The pathophysiology is multifactorial, involving endothelial dysfunction, specific complications of diabetes and psychological factors. Recent studies have shown that ED is able to predict future cardiovascular events not only in non-diabetics, but also in patients with diabetes. ED could also be a potential marker to screen for silent coronary artery disease. The management of ED has been revolutionized by the discovery of phosphodiesterase type-5 (PDE5) inhibitors, the first-line therapeutic options for diabetic men with ED that are efficient and safe. As a second line, intracavernous injections remain a gold-standard treatment, although a vacuum device can be used as well. In cases of failure, penile prosthesis may be considered. Hypogonadism, commonly found in diabetics, may require identification and treatment. Optimalized glycaemic control, management of associated co-morbidities and lifestyle modifications are essential in all patients. As ED and diabetes negatively impact male self-esteem, and generate depression and anxiety, the psychological treatment of patients is also likely to be beneficial.

CONCLUSION

The aetiology of diabetic ED is multifactorial. Endothelial dysfunction is the link between diabetes-induced ED and coronary artery disease. A global approach is needed for the successful management of diabetic ED.

Effect of intensive glycemic therapy on erectile function in men with type 1 diabetes

PURPOSE

We determined whether intensive glycemic therapy reduces the risk of erectile dysfunction in men with type 1 diabetes enrolled in the Diabetes Control and Complications Trial.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

The Diabetes Control and Complications Trial randomized 761 men with type 1 diabetes to intensive or conventional glycemic therapy at 28 sites between 1983 and 1989, of whom 366 had diabetes for 1 to 5 years and no microvascular complications (primary prevention cohort), and 395 had diabetes for 1 to 15 years with nonproliferative retinopathy or microalbuminuria (secondary intervention cohort). Subjects were treated until 1993, and followed in the Epidemiology of Diabetes Interventions and Complications study. In 2003 we conducted an ancillary study using a validated assessment of erectile dysfunction in 571 men (80% participation rate), 291 in the primary cohort and 280 in the secondary cohort.

RESULTS

Of the participants 23% reported erectile dysfunction. The prevalence was significantly lower in the intensive vs conventional treatment group in the secondary cohort (12.8% vs 30.8%, p = 0.001) but not in the primary cohort (17% vs 20.3%, p = 0.49). The risk of erectile dysfunction in primary and secondary cohorts was directly associated with mean HbA1c during the Diabetes Control and Complications Trial, and Epidemiology of Diabetes Interventions and Complications combined. Age, peripheral neuropathy and lower urinary tract symptoms were other risk factors.

CONCLUSIONS

A period of intensive therapy significantly reduced the prevalence of erectile dysfunction 10 years later among those men in the secondary intervention cohort but not in the primary prevention cohort. Higher HbA1c was significantly associated with risk in both cohorts. These findings provide further support for early implementation of intensive insulin therapy in young men with type 1 diabetes.

Diabetes, obesity and erectile dysfunction: field overview and research priorities

PURPOSE

We provide an overview of basic, clinical and epidemiological research in the field of erectile dysfunction and important research priorities presented at the 2009 National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases symposium on Urological Complications of Diabetes and Obesity.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Experts in molecular biology, physiology, pharmacology, clinical trials, epidemiology and urological surgery highlighted current knowledge on erectile dysfunction associated with diabetes mellitus and obesity.

RESULTS

Predictable associations between erectile dysfunction, and poor diabetic control and modifiable risk factors, including body mass index, have not yet been translated into randomized trials in the United States. The relationship between erectile dysfunction and metabolic syndrome, and surrogate markers for erectile dysfunction requires further investigation. Basic research aimed at discovering disease mechanisms and therapeutic targets has focused on autonomic neuropathy, vascular dysfunction, smooth muscle contractile function and matrix. However, significant gaps exist in regard to the integration of molecular, cellular and functional data. Animal models of type 2 diabetes and obesity associated erectile dysfunction require investigation because most basic science studies have used rodent models of type 1 diabetes.

CONCLUSIONS

Studies are needed to synthesize a systems biology understanding of erectile function/dysfunction, and characterize and disseminate rodent models of erectile dysfunction associated with type 2 diabetes and obesity. Clinical studies are needed of promising intervention and prevention strategies. Leveraging existing and future cohort phenotypes, and biological samples is needed for risk factor analysis, biomarker discovery and genome wide association studies.

Erectile dysfunction predicts coronary heart disease in type 2 diabetes

OBJECTIVES

We examined the predictive power of erectile dysfunction (ED) on coronary heart disease (CHD) events in Chinese men with type 2 diabetes.

BACKGROUND

Subjects with diabetes are prone to develop cardiovascular complications. Erectile dysfunction is strongly associated with CHD in cross-sectional studies, but prospective data are lacking.

METHODS

A consecutive cohort of men with no clinical evidence of cardiovascular disease underwent comprehensive assessments for diabetic complications. Erectile dysfunction was defined according to the definition of the National Institutes of Health Consensus Conference 1992. Coronary heart disease events were censored with centralized territory-wide hospital databases in 2005.

RESULTS

Of 2,306 subjects (age: 54.2 +/- 12.7 years; follow-up: 4.0 [range 1.7 to 7.1] years), 26.7% had ED at baseline. The incidence of CHD events was higher in men with ED than those without (19.7/1,000 person-years, 95% confidence interval [CI] 14.3 to 25.2 person-years vs. 9.5/1,000 person-years, 95% CI 7.4 to 11.7 person-years). Men who developed CHD events were older; had a higher frequency of ED and microvascular complications; had longer duration of diabetes; and had higher blood pressure, total cholesterol, low-density lipoprotein cholesterol, and urinary albumin/creatinine ratio but lower high-density lipoprotein cholesterol and estimated glomerular filtration rate than those without CHD events. Erectile dysfunction remained an independent predictor for CHD events (hazard ratio 1.58, 95% CI 1.08 to 2.30, p = 0.018) after adjustment for other covariates along with age, duration of disease, and use of antihypertensive agents and albuminuria.

CONCLUSIONS

In type 2 diabetic men without clinically overt cardiovascular disease, the presence of ED predicts a new onset of CHD events. Symptoms of ED should be independently sought to identify high-risk subjects for comprehensive cardiovascular assessments.

Treatment strategies for diabetic patients suffering from erectile dysfunction

Erectile dysfunction is a common complication of diabetes. Clinical practice has no treatment modality specifically designed for the difficult to treat diabetic erectile dysfunction due to the multifactorial and complex pathophysiology of development. PDE type 5 inhibitors are the first-line treatment option. Non-responders should have total and free testosterone checked and testosterone replacement is recommended for hypogonadal patients. For patients who cannot take PDE type 5 inhibitors, or are proven non-responders, the vacuum constriction device continues to serve as a major treatment option. Intracavernosal injection is the most effective medical therapy for diabetic erectile dysfunction despite its high dropout rate. Use of the Medicated Urethral System for Erection to overcome the disadvantages of needle injection is disappointing due to lack of effectiveness. Penile prosthesis will continue to play an important role in diabetic patients with severe erectile dysfunction in coming years.

Microcoil embolization of an arteriovenous fistula from the arteria bulbi penis to the corpus spongiosum penis in the treatment of erectile dysfunction: normal function regained immediately after intervention

A 39-year-old man presented with erectile dysfunction that had persisted since its sudden onset 5 years ago. He exhibited none of the classic risk factors, and all attempts at medication had been unsuccessful. An ultrasound examination revealed the presence of an arteriovenous shunt in the corpus spongiosum penis. Selective digital subtraction angiography of the left internal pudendal artery showed an arteriovenous fistula from the arteria bulbi penis to the corpus spongiosum penis. The outflow of venous blood took place via the penile veins into the periprostatic vein plexus. Superselective catheterization of the arteria bulbi penis was performed with a 3 French coaxial catheter (Topaz Micro Coils; Micro Therapeutics, Inc, Irvine, CA) and it was occluded by inserting several platinum coils. 1 week after the procedure, the patient reported normal erectile function, which was subsequently maintained.

Sexual dysfunction in men and women with endocrine disorders

Endocrine disease frequently interrupts sexual function, and sexual dysfunction may signal serious endocrine disease. Diabetic autonomic neuropathy and endothelial dysfunction impair erectile function, and phosphodiesterase inhibition produces only moderate benefit. The effect of diabetes on women's sexual function is complex: the most consistent finding is a correlation between sexual dysfunction and depression. Reductions in testosterone level in men are associated with low sexual desire and reduced nocturnal erections and ejaculate volume, all of which improve with testosterone supplementation. The age-dependent decline in testosterone production in men is not associated with precise sexual symptoms, and supplementation has not been shown to produce sexual benefit. In women, sexual dysfunction has not been associated with serum testosterone, but this may be confounded by limitations of assays at low concentrations and by the greater importance of intracellular production of testosterone in women than in men. Testosterone supplementation after menopause does improve some aspects of sexual function in women, but long-term outcome data are needed. More research on the sexual effects of abnormal adrenal and thyroid function, hyperprolactinaemia, and metabolic syndrome should also be prioritised. We have good data on local management of the genital consequences of oestrogen lack, but need to better understand the potential role of systemic oestrogen supplementation from menopause onwards in sexually symptomatic women.

Clinical and Psychological Predictors of Incidence of Self-Reported Erectile Dysfunction in Patients With Type 2 Diabetes

PURPOSE

We evaluated the predictors of the incidence of erectile dysfunction in patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus and identified subgroups of patients in whom the interaction between clinical and psychological characteristics determined an increase in the risk of erectile dysfunction.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

The study was based on 670 individuals. The presence of erectile dysfunction and the severity of depressive symptoms were investigated with a questionnaire filled in every 6 months for 3 years. Poisson regression was used to calculate incidence rates. To evaluate interactions among the different variables and identify distinct and homogeneous subgroups in terms of incidence of erectile dysfunction, RECursive Partitioning and AMalgamation method was used.

RESULTS

Overall erectile dysfunction developed in 192 men with type 2 diabetes, with an incidence rate of 166.3 per 1,000 person-years. Age, insulin treatment, hemoglobin A1c greater than 8.0%, total cholesterol greater than 3.88 mmol/l and severity of depressive symptoms represented independent predictors of erectile dysfunction. RECursive Partitioning and AMalgamation analysis identified 5 classes with a marked variation in the risk of erectile dysfunction. Patients with low levels of depressive symptoms and hemoglobin A1c 8.0% or less showed the lowest risk of erectile dysfunction. Compared with this subgroup patients with higher levels of depressive symptoms and treated with insulin had a 3-fold risk of erectile dysfunction. Age, smoking, high cholesterol levels and neuropathy were globally predictive variables associated with an increased risk of erectile dysfunction.

CONCLUSIONS

The incidence of erectile dysfunction is predicted by modifiable risk factors. Even in diabetes, psychological problems can contribute to the pathogenesis of erectile dysfunction, in addition to organic causes.

Pharmacology of erectile dysfunction in man

Erectile dysfunction (ED) is defined as the consistent or recurrent inability of a man to attain and/or maintain a penile erection sufficient for sexual activity (2nd International Consultation on Sexual Dysfunction-Paris, June 28th-July 1st, 2003). Following the discovery and introduction of sildenafil, research on the mechanisms underlying penile erection has had an enormous boost and many preclinical and clinical papers have been published in the last 5 years. This review is structured in order to give the reader an overview of the clinical and preclinical data available on the peripheral regulation of and the mediators involved in human penile erection. The most widely accepted risk factors for ED are discussed. The article is focused on human data, and the safety and effectiveness of the 3 commercially available Phosphodiesterase-5 (PDE5) inhibitors used to treat ED are also discussed.