Erectile dysfunction (ED) generally called impotence is observed in majority of the diabetic patients. Erectile dysfunction is the improper functioning of the male sex organ during sexual excitement. The person suffering from the erectile dysfunction is not able to do the intercourse with his female partner because of loss of erection. Many factors are responsible for the erectile dysfunction in the men, but diabetes is one of the primary causes of the erectile dysfunction(impotence).

Erectile dysfunction and diabetes seems to have a strong connection between them. Erectile dysfunction is one of the common complications of the diabetes. Three types of diabetes are type I diabetes, type II diabetes, and gestational diabetes (occurs only in women). Type I and type II diabetes are observed in men, and both these diabetes can cause erectile dysfunction.

A study was conducted to check the diabetes and Erectile dysfunction link. One hundred individuals suffering from the type I diabetes and one hundred individuals with type II diabetes were examined. The study revealed that 63 individuals suffering from type I diabetes had erection problems, whereas 67 individuals suffering from type II diabetes were having erectile dysfunction. The study concluded that erectile dysfunction is the common problems among the diabetic patients.

Deficiency of insulin by the loss of the insulin-producing beta-cells of the islets of Langerhans in the pancreas leads to type I diabetes. In the case of insulin deficiency sugar level rises and in turn stops the messages, which brain sends to the different parts of the body. Certainly, it blocks the message that brain sends to the arteries for the increase of supply of blood to the penis during sexual excitement. As a result, the person suffers from erectile dysfunction. Sometimes type I diabetes leads to the hardening of the arteries because of which blood supply to penis gets reduced. Ultimately, it causes erectile dysfunction(impotence) due to less blood supply to penis.

Insulin resistance or reduced insulin sensitivity, combined with reduced insulin secretion leads to the type II diabetes. Obesity is found in approximately 55% of patients diagnosed with type II diabetes. An obese is at a risk of blood vessel blockage which causes erectile dysfunction. Type II diabetes also causes the nerve damage which in turn results in the erectile dysfunction.