The prevalence and associations of erectile dysfunction in a South African male diabetic urban population

Abstract

Background: Erectile dysfunction (ED) is a common condition in patients with type 1 or type 2 diabetes mellitus. The prevalence and predictors in our patient population are unknown since minimal data exist for this condition in South Africa.
Method: An observational, cross-sectional study was performed on 150 consecutive male patients aged ≥ 50 years, with either type 1 or type 2 diabetes mellitus, attending the Steve Biko Academic Hospital Diabetes Clinic. These patients were evaluated for diabetes mellitus control and medical complications, and for the presence of ED. Morning serum testosterone levels were determined.
Results: Some degree of ED was reported in 95% of the patients, with 51% reporting serious dysfunction. Using multivariate logistic regression, it was determined that the significant factors associated with ED were age, body mass index, the peripheral neuropathy score and diuretic therapy. Differences in quality-of-life scores were seen in some ED subgroups.
Conclusion: This study confirms the high prevalence of ED in diabetic male patients in a tertiary setting. It is suggested that universal screening should be performed for this population group. Multiple predictors of ED were identified in this study. ED negatively affected quality of life, but not in a statistically significant way.

Keywords: cardiovascular disease, diabetes mellitus, diuretic therapy, erectile dysfunction, glycaemic control, peripheral neuropathy