INFLUENCE OF THE DURATION OF DIABETES AND VIBRATION PERCEPTION THRESHOLD ON THE SEVERITY OF ERECTILE DYSFUNCTION IN PATIENTS WITH TYPE 2 DIABETES MELLITUS.

ABSTRACT

Background: Erectile dysfunction(ED) in men is a frequent under-reported complication of diabetes mellitus, which is becoming significant health problem worldwide. Aims: The study aims to determine the prevalence and risk factors for development of ED in North Indian patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus. Methods: We used international index of erectile function (IIEF-5) for the assessment of ED in 796 patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus. We recorded the age, duration of diabetes, glycemic status, body mass index, diabetes medications, microvascular and macrovascular complications. Results: The mean age of patients in the study was 49.38 ± 9.52 years. The prevalence of ED in patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus was 79.4%. Logistic regression analysis revealed that age, body mass index, glycemic control, insulin therapy, retinopathy and nephropathy was not significantly associated with erectile dysfunction in patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus. Duration of diabetes (OR = 1.054, 95% CI 1.007 to 1.102, P=0.023) and vibration perception threshold (OR = 1.071, 95% CI 1.042 to 1.102, P=0.000) were identified as key risk factors for development of ED. Conclusion: Duration of diabetes and peripheral neuropathy emerged as significant risk factors for development of severe erectile dysfunction.