Question : I'M a diabetic, aged 46, and have been taking
anti-diabetic medication. During sexual intercourse, I have
difficulty in maintaining an erection.
Answer : MEN with diabetes have a higher risk of developing
erectile dysfunction (ED). In addition, men treated for diabetes
are up to three times as likely to develop serious ED. ED is a
condition when a man has repeated inability to get or keep an
erection firm enough for sexual intercourse.
The causes of ED in men with diabetes involve impairment in
nerves, blood vessels and muscle function. Chronic elevated
blood sugar can damage the blood vessels and nerves that control
erection. Therefore, you may not be able to achieve a firm
erection although you have normal amounts of hormone and have
sexual desires.
Herbs like horny goat weed, ginkgo, ginseng, puncture vine,
muira puama, withania and damiana may help to achieve and
maintain an erection. They help to enhance sexual performance by
increasing blood flow and oxygen to the genital areas. They
improve the release of nitric oxide in men, thus relaxing the
spongy tissues in the penis and promoting blood flow.
Good nutrition may help improve ED. Eat whole, fresh, unrefined
and unprocessed foods. Include in your diet fresh fruits,
vegetables, whole grains, soybeans, seeds, nuts, olive oil, and
cold-water fish. Avoid excessive sugar, dairy products, refined
foods, fried foods, junk foods, and caffeine.
Maintaining blood sugar levels near to the normal is just as
important. Other nutrients like alpha lipoic acid may help
reduce nerve damage due to chronic elevated blood sugar. It may
be helpful in improving ED, too
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