Erectile Dysfunction (ED) is often symptomatic of another illness or condition, which in itself needs to be diagnosed and treated as a matter of priority. Some of these conditions, if left undiagnosed and untreated could even be life threatening. Diabetes is one such condition.

The actual cause of erectile dysfunction through Diabetes is quite complex and relates to various changes that take place in the body over a period of time. These changes are in relation to the functions of nerves, blood vessels, and muscles and occur as a direct result of high blood sugar.

In order to gain an erection, men need good healthy blood vessels and nerves, so if these have been damaged through the diabetes, it becomes more likely that erectile dysfunction will appear. It doesn't matter if the man's testosterone levels are high, or even if he has a strong libido, harm to the blood vessels and nerves that feed the blood supply the penis will result in erectile dysfunction.

Diabetic men of 50 years of age and over have a 60% chance of acquiring ED. For diabetic men of 70 and over, this statistic jumps to a staggering 95%. It is further believed that men who suffer from diabetes develop erectile dysfunction some 10 to 15 years earlier than men who are not diabetics.

There are a number of other factors that can have a bearing on ED for diabetic men, and just like their non-diabetic counterparts, these factors include: obesity; smoking; life style (lack of appropriate exercise); surgery, and medications including antidepressants and some hypertension medications.

There are also a number of psychological factors (again shared in common with non-diabetics) than can also have a bearing on the causes of ED, and these include: depression; low self esteem; anxiety, and paranoia regarding poor sexual performance.

If you are a man suffering from ED brought about by Diabetes, you should be aware that the damage being done to your blood vessels and nerves can effect your heart and other organs as well as your penis.

Fortunately, there are supplements on the market that will minimize this damage. Along with lifestyle changes, these changes can have a profound effect on your erectile dysfunction, your overall health, and your quality of life.