Erectile Dysfunction in Type-2 Diabetes Mellitus Patients: Predictors of Early Detection and Treatment

To identify risk factors and potential predictors of erectile dysfunction (ED) in type-2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) patients for early detection and treatment.

A retrospective cohort was used to assess the clinical data of 105 diabetic patients with ED from May 2019 to April 2020 age-matched to 105 diabetic patients without ED. Potential risk factors that could contribute to ED were compared between the groups. Erectile function was evaluated using the International Index of Erectile Function-5 questionnaire.

There were higher rates of diabetic peripheral neuropathy (p = 0.036) and retinopathy (p < 0.001), longer duration of diabetes (p < 0.001), lower estimated glomerular filtration rate (p = 0.010) values, and higher uric acid (p < 0.001) and C-reactive protein (p = 0.001) levels in the ED group compared to the non-ED group. Multivariate logistic analysis identified uric acid, diabetic retinopathy, and T2DM course as independent predictors of diabetic ED. Diabetics with retinopathy and T2DM for ≥49 months were 3.028 and 3.860 times more likely to have ED, respectively. Uric acid values ≥392.5 μmol/L were associated with 18.638 times greater risk of having ED, though the values were within normal range.

In T2DM patients, higher uric acid (≥392.5 μmol/L), longer diabetes duration (≥49 months), and the presence of diabetic retinopathy were important and reliable predictors for diabetic ED. For patients who have high risk factors for developing ED, diligent screening and early treatment are necessary.