Erectile dysfunction in diabetes

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