Most Men Who Suffer From ED Are Diabetic

Diabetes has been identified by regional experts as a major risk factor linked to erectile dysfunction (ED) in men in the UAE and the rest of the Gulf.

Other factors are hypertension and increasing age. The findings are based on a study, Current Medical Research Opinion, published in the British Medical Magazine.

The report says 50.7 per cent of men in the Middle East suffer from severe ED and at least 78.1 per cent of these patients have diabetes mellitus. Diabetes is also regarded as a significant factor in the high prevalence of ED in the Gulf.

“ED is a common problem affecting men these days,” said Dr Ashraf Kamel of the German Medical Centre at Dubai Health Care City, a Member of the European Society of Sexual Medicine and Impotence Research.

“It is under-stated because of the embarrassing nature of the condition. It has been seen that men with diabetes are more prone to ED and tend to develop it faster than men without it. Diabetes can damage the blood vessels and nerves that control response. This infirmity can impact the individual’s confidence, happiness and relationship with the partner and cause great anxiety.”

The study shows that diabetes is a strong risk factor associated with ED – and possibly a major cause of it as well. However, with a suitable course of medication the condition is seen to improve with considerable recovery in psycho-social outcomes including time concerns, spontaneity and sexual self-confidence.

The UAE ranks second highest in the world for diabetes prevalence, according to the International Diabetes Federation (IDF), and it is estimated that one out of five people aged between 20 and 79 has the disease.

In the UAE citizen group the figure was 24 per cent while among expatriates it was 17.4 per cent.

“The issue to be tackled foremost with regard to erectile dysfunction is the mentality of men,” added Dr Kamel. “Men are conditioned to be brave and adopt the attitude of being able to solve issues by themselves.

“To tackle this disease they need to visit a doctor and talk things through. Communication is very important as a doctor needs to understand everything about the patient before prescribing any course of treatment.

“A doctor looks into a patient’s habits, lifestyle and other health issues – whether he is suffering from any other disease such as diabetes, which can add to the problem. Any kind of medication can be given only after knowing all such facts.”

He said one of the most effective medicines administered to ED such patients was Cialis.

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