Sexual function in 20 younger insulin-treated male diabetic outpatients: A two year follow-up study

Abstract

Based on retrospective and noncomparative studies literature describes sexual dysfunction in diabetic males to progress to complete impotence inside a year from the first dysfunction symptom. Twenty insulintreated diabetic male outpatients were studied with a two year interval with special reference to sexual function. A group of 10 patients reporting sexual dysfunction at the first interview were compared to a matched group of 10 patients without sexual dysfunction. All patients were married, and had no other diagnosis but diabetes, had no other medication but insulin and no abuse of alcohol. At the second interview three patients originally reporting sexual dysfunction were without symptoms and no one was complete impotent. Two patients revealed sexual dysfunctionsymptoms during the observation time, none of them to complete impotence. Erective dysfunction and reduction of libido were the most common symptoms. The results seem to be in accordance with newer studies illustrating psychosocial factors to be of influence even if an organic aetiology is possible in diabetic sexual dysfunction. The actual knowledge about aetiology of diabetic sexual dysfunction is discussed briefly and principles for coming studies are suggested.