Diabetes in Men

Diabetes, referred to as the silent epidemic of the 21st century, is one of the greatest challenges of modern medicine, especially in the context of diabetes patients. It is a chronic metabolic disease that affects millions of people around the world, including a significant part of the male population, including men with diabetes. If left untreated or improperly controlled, it leads to devastating complications of diabetes, destroying blood vessels, nerves, and vital organs. Men, due to their physiological specificity, lifestyle factors and often less willingness to have regular preventive examinations, are in the higher risk group. Understanding the early and gender-specific symptoms of diabetes is crucial for early diagnosis and the implementation of effective measures that can not only stop the progression of the disease, but in the case of type 2 diabetes, even lead to its remission.

Spis treści

What Is Diabetes and Why Is It So Dangerous?

Diabetes is a group of metabolic diseases characterized by elevated blood glucose (sugar) levels, i.e. hyperglycemia, which affects many diabetic patients, including women with diabetes. This condition results from a defect in the production or function of insulin – a hormone produced by the pancreas that is necessary to transport glucose from the blood to the cells, where it is converted into energy.

There are mainly two types of diabetes that are important in the diagnosis of diabetes.

Type 1 diabetes is a condition that often leads to sexual dysfunction in diabetics, especially in men. An autoimmune disease in which the body’s immune system destroys the beta cells of the pancreas responsible for producing insulin. It mainly affects children and young adults and requires constant insulin administration, which affects the duration of diabetes.
Type 2 diabetes: The most common form of diabetes (about 90% of cases), which usually develops in adults, is type II diabetes. It is caused by insulin resistance – a condition in which the body’s cells become resistant to insulin, combined with a progressive deficiency of this hormone, which leads to type II diabetes.

Chronic hyperglycemia is toxic to the body, especially in diabetics. It damages small and large blood vessels (micro- and macroangiopathy) and nerves (neuropathy), leading to dangerous complications such as:

Cardiovascular diseases are a particularly important issue for people with diabetes. Heart attack, stroke, ischemic disease of the lower limbs.
Diabetic nephropathy: Kidney damage, leading to kidney failure.
Diabetic retinopathy: Damage to the retina of the eye, which may result in loss of vision.
Diabetic neuropathy: Damage to peripheral nerves, causing pain, numbness, as well as problems with digestion and sexual function.
Diabetic foot: A syndrome of ulcers on the foot, which in extreme cases can lead to amputation.

General symptoms of diabetes that should not be ignored

Many of the symptoms of diabetes are common to both sexes. Their severity can vary – in type 1 diabetes they appear suddenly and are pronounced, while in type 2 they can develop slowly, over years, often being mistaken for fatigue or aging of the body.

The classic, early symptoms of diabetes include:

Increased thirst (polydipsia): The body, trying to get rid of excess glucose from the blood, excretes it in the urine, which leads to dehydration and a strong feeling of thirst.
Frequent urination (polyuria) is one of the typical symptoms of diabetes. High blood sugar levels make the kidneys work harder to filter it out. Glucose, passing into the urine, “pulls” water with it, which increases the volume of urine produced. Frequent getting up at night (nocturia) is also characteristic.
Unintentional weight loss: Despite a normal or even increased appetite, the body is unable to use glucose as an energy source. So it begins to draw it from fat and protein (muscle) reserves, which leads to weight loss.
Increased appetite (polyphagia): Cells “starve” due to a lack of glucose, sending signals to the brain about the need for energy, resulting in a constant feeling of hunger.
Chronic fatigue and weakness: Lack of energy resulting from the inability to process glucose makes the patient feel constantly tired, sleepy and deprived of vitality.

Other, less specific, but equally important warning signs are:

Vision problems are a common complication for women with diabetes. High sugar levels can cause swelling of the lens of the eye, leading to blurred, hazy vision, which can be a complication of diabetes.
Slow wound healing is one of the typical symptoms of diabetes that can lead to complications. Hyperglycemia impairs the functioning of the immune and circulatory systems, which slows down the regenerative processes of the skin.
Recurrent infections: Diabetes promotes the development of fungal infections (e.g. of the oral cavity, genitals) and bacterial infections (e.g. of the skin, urinary tract), because high sugar levels are a breeding ground for microorganisms.
Dry and itchy skin are symptoms that can occur in diabetics. Dehydration of the body and nerve damage can lead to dermatological problems.

Specific Symptoms of Diabetes in Men: Red Flags for Men’s Health

In addition to general symptoms, diabetes in men manifests itself in a way that directly affects the sphere of their sexual health and physiology. These symptoms are often downplayed or attributed to other factors, such as stress or age, delaying a proper diagnosis.

Erectile dysfunction: a sensitive barometer of metabolic health

Erectile dysfunction (impotence) is one of the most common and worrying symptoms of diabetes in men. It is estimated that men with diabetes are 3 times more likely to have erectile problems than their healthy peers, and these problems can appear up to 10-15 years earlier.

The cause is the multifaceted, destructive effect of hyperglycemia:

Damage to blood vessels (angiopathy): A proper erection requires adequate blood flow to the corpora cavernosa of the penis. Diabetes leads to the development of atherosclerosis, which narrows and stiffens the arteries throughout the body, including those supplying the penis with blood.
Nerve damage (neuropathy): Autonomic neuropathy damages the nerves responsible for transmitting signals from the brain to the blood vessels in the penis that initiate and maintain an erection.
Decrease in testosterone levels: Diabetes, especially type 2, is strongly linked to obesity, which in turn can lead to lower testosterone levels. Low testosterone directly affects libido (sex drive) and the quality of erection.

It is important that men experiencing erection problems do not treat it just as a ‘bed’ problem, but as a potential early warning sign of a serious systemic disease such as diabetes.

Loss of muscle mass (sarcopenia)

Even with a preserved body weight, men with uncontrolled diabetes may experience a loss of strength and muscle mass. This is because the body, unable to get energy from glucose, begins to break down muscle-building proteins, which is one of the typical symptoms of type 1 diabetes.

How to prevent diabetes? Key prevention strategies

The good news is that the development of type 2 diabetes, which accounts for the vast majority of cases, can be effectively prevented, which is especially important for people with diabetes. The key is a permanent lifestyle change, based on three pillars: a balanced diet, regular physical activity and maintaining a healthy body weight, which is important for people with diabetes.

Pillar 1: Balanced Diet – Fuel for Health

Diet in the prevention of diabetes does not mean draconian restrictions, but rather conscious and wise food choices, which is important in the case of type 1 diabetes. The goal is to avoid spikes in blood sugar levels and provide the body with all the necessary nutrients.

The principles of an anti-diabetic diet are crucial in the diagnosis of diabetes and the prevention of complications.

Regularity of meals: Eat 4-5 smaller meals a day, at regular intervals (every 3-4 hours). This prevents hunger pangs and rapid glycemic fluctuations.
Choose complex carbohydrates: Replace white bread, white rice, sugary cereals, and white flour pasta with their whole-grain counterparts. Whole grain products (wholemeal bread, coarse groats, brown rice, oatmeal) are rich in fiber, which slows down the absorption of sugar.
Vegetables – the basis of every meal, especially for diabetics who need to take care of a balanced diet. Try to make up half of your plate. They are low in calories, rich in vitamins, minerals and fiber. Vegetables with a low glycemic index (GI), such as broccoli, spinach, lettuce, tomatoes, cucumbers, peppers, are particularly valuable.
Fruits in moderation: Fruit is healthy, but it contains simple sugar – fructose. Choose those with a lower GI, such as berries (raspberries, blueberries, strawberries), grapefruits or apples. Limit bananas, grapes and dried fruits, especially for people with diabetes.
Bet on lean sources of protein: Protein helps stabilize blood sugar levels and gives a feeling of satiety. Choose lean meats (poultry, turkey), fish (especially oily sea fish rich in omega-3 fatty acids, such as salmon, mackerel, sardines), legumes (lentils, chickpeas, beans) and lean dairy products.
Healthy fats are your ally: Instead of saturated fats (fatty meats, butter, lard) and trans fats (fast food, sweets, hard margarines), choose unsaturated fats. Their sources are: olive oil, rapeseed oil, avocado, nuts, seeds and seeds, which are beneficial for people with diabetes.
Limit sugar and processed products to a minimum: Eliminate sugary drinks, fruit juices, sweets, cookies, ready meals, and fast foods. These are empty calories that skyrocket your blood sugar levels.
Drink plenty of water: Proper hydration is key. Drink a minimum of 1.5-2 liters of water a day to support the health of people with diabetes. Avoid sweetened drinks, which are a calorie and sugar bomb.

Pillar 2: Physical Activity – A Natural Cure for Insulin Resistance

Regular exercise is one of the most effective ways to improve your cells’ sensitivity to insulin and control your blood sugar levels. During physical exertion, muscles use up glucose, lowering its concentration in the blood, even without insulin.

Recommendations for physical activity:

Aerobic exercise (cardio): Try to dedicate at least 150 minutes per week to moderate-intensity activity (e.g. jogging), which is recommended for people with diabetes. 5 x 30 minutes) or 75 minutes for high-intensity activity. Examples:
- Brisk walking is a form of activity that can help men with diabetes manage their blood sugar levels.
- Nordic
- Jogging is a great way to improve fitness, especially for men with diabetes.
- Cycling
- Swimming is an excellent form of physical activity for diabetics.
- Dance
Resistance (strength) training: At least 2 times a week, do exercises to strengthen the main muscle groups (legs, back, chest, arms). Building muscle mass increases glucose “stores”, which helps in its better control. You can use your own body weight, dumbbells, resistance bands, or machines in the gym.
Be active on a daily basis to reduce the risk of diabetes complications. Any form of exercise is important, especially for people with diabetes. Choose the stairs instead of the elevator, park farther away from the entrance to work, get off a stop earlier to reduce the risk of developing type II diabetes. Every step counts.

Pillar 3: Weight Control – The Key to Reducing Risk

Being overweight and obese, especially in men with diabetes, can lead to serious complications. Abdominal obesity (the so-called “beer belly”) are the strongest risk factors for the development of type 2 diabetes. Adipose tissue located in the abdominal cavity is metabolically active and produces substances that increase insulin resistance.

Calculate your BMI: Body Mass Index (BMI) is a simple tool to assess whether your weight is normal. A normal BMI is in the range of 18.5–24.9.
Measure your waist circumference: In men, a waist circumference of more than 94 cm significantly increases the risk of metabolic diseases, including diabetes. A circumference of more than 102 cm is already abdominal obesity and a very high risk.
Aim for weight reduction: Losing even 5-10% of body weight can drastically reduce the risk of developing diabetes or improve glycemic control in people who are already sick.

The role of preventive screening in the early detection of diabetes

Since type 2 diabetes often develops asymptomatically, regular screening is extremely important, especially in at-risk men.

Who should check their sugar levels regularly?

Every man over 45 years of age – examination every 3 years.
Men of all ages if they are overweight or obese (BMI ≥ 25 kg/m²) and at least one additional risk factor:
- Little physical activity.
- Diabetes in the family (parents, siblings) increases the risk of the disease in subsequent generations.
- Hypertension (≥140/90 mmHg) is a common problem among people with diabetes.
- Abnormal cholesterol levels (HDL < 40 mg/dl or triglycerides > 150 mg/dl).
- A history of cardiovascular disease.

Basic diagnostic tests:

Determination of fasting venous plasma glucose concentration: A simple and basic examination. The normal result is 70–99 mg/dl.
Oral glucose tolerance test (OGTT): the so-called “sugar curve”. It is performed when the fasting glucose result is abnormal or there is a strong suspicion of diabetes.
Glycated hemoglobin (HbA1c): It shows the average blood glucose level for the last 2-3 months. It is an important test for diagnosing and monitoring the treatment of diabetes.

Diabetes in men is a serious threat, but not a sentence. Armed with knowledge about its specific symptoms and effective prevention methods, every man can take control of his health. Regular examinations, conscious food choices, physical activity and care for a healthy body weight are the best investment in a long and healthy life, free from the complications of this insidious disease.

Diabetes in men: Erectile dysfunction – how to treat?