Prevalence of sexual dysfunctions in non-insulin dependent (type II) diabetic males

Since previous papers about the frequency of sexual dysfunctions (SD) in diabetic males did not consider the genetical and clinical heterogeneity of diabetes mellitus, we studied the prevalence and the pathogenesis of SD in 77 non insulin dependent diabetics (NIDD). The diagnostic procedures consisted of physical and psychological examinations, compilation of a questionnaire, evaluation of autonomic and peripheral nervous systems, measurement of penile arterious flow, dosage of hormonal and metabolic parameters. SD were present in 52% of patients: 24% of them had organic impotence, 28% psychological sexual impairment. Age, duration of diabetes and metabolic control were superimposable in the patients with and without SD. Most patients with organic impotence had an alteration of parasympathetic nervous system; less frequently a reduced penile arterious flow was observed. The relief of such a high prevalence of SD in NIDD males suggests that future studies should consider the various groups of diabetics separately.