Unfortunately, few of them talk about it with their doctors. But if they did, chances are good their doctors could help them treat the condition. Erectile dysfunction Erectile dysfunction, also referred to as impotence, refers to the inability to achieve an erection of the penis or to maintain an erection long enough for sexual intercourse.
Erectile dysfunction can result from physical or psychological factors.
The most common causes in men with diabetes are physical problems due to poor blood sugar control, long-term effects of the disease and, frequently, side effects of medications. Excess blood sugar can damage the nerves and blood vessels responsible for erections. When the nerves are damaged, they're no longer able to communicate with small blood vessels in the penis, telling them to expand to accommodate the flow of blood necessary for an erection. When large blood vessels are narrowed or blocked, not enough blood reaches the penis to cause an erection. Psychological factors that can produce erectile dysfunction include anxiety, stress or depression.