Diabetes can damage reproductive nerves: Doctors

Prolonged uncontrolled diabetes can cause damage to reproductive nerves, said doctors on Tuesday. According to them, prolonged diabetes can lead to a condition where the nerves are unable to control the bladder, "As the problems of diabetes increases, it damages the nerves of the reproductive system. Cases have shown that diabetes is causing Erectile Dysfunction among men.

High levels of blood glucose, blood pressure and cholesterol, all clubbed together only aggravates the problem of getting a proper erection in men," said Kshitiz Murdia, a fertility expert based in Indira Infertility Clinic and Test Tube Baby Centre.

Murdia who has received several such patients says diabetes in men can lead to DNA damage in their sperm, and reduce the chances of live birth and even healthy, normal foetus.

Medical evidence has proved that diabetes is one of the emerging reasons for infertility among males and females. In both, Type 1 and Type 2 Diabetes, the insulin-producing cells get damaged and cause health complications including infertility.

Studies, including by All India Institute of Medical Sciences, say that nearly half of Indian men above the age of 40 suffering from erectile dysfunction are diabetic.

Amol Naik, Nagpur-based Consultant IVF specialist, said reducing consumption of alcohol and quitting smoking are some of the ways to reduce erectile dysfunction.

"Retarded ejaculation is also associated with certain psychological problems. It is advisable to seek proper clinical counselling, or psychosexual therapy to reduce this burden. Sugar intake also needs to be monitored among men, if they are addicted to sweets," said Naik.

"Proper consultation with doctors is a must and required tests should be performed almost every two months to know if diabetes has caused any other problems in the body," added Naik.