PREVALENCE OF SELF-REPORTED ERECTILE DYSFUNCTION IN PEOPLE WITH LONG-TERM IDDM

OBJECTIVE - The purpose of this report is to examine the prevalence of erectile dysfunction and relationships to other characteristics in me n with younger-onset diabetes. RESEARCH DESIGN AND METHODS - In a popu lation-based cohort study in southern Wisconsin, prevalence of erectil e dysfunction was measured based on self reports in men who were 21 ye ars of age or older, were <30 years of age at diagnosis of diabetes, h ad 10 or more years of diabetes, and were taking insulin (n = 365). RE SULTS - Of the study group, 20% reported a history of erectile dysfunc tion. The prevalence of erectile dysfunction increased with increasing age (from 1.1% in those 21-30 years of age to 47.1% in those 43 years of age or older, P for trend <0.0001) and with increasing duration of diabetes (P for trend <0.0001). Erectile dysfunction was associated w ith presence of severe diabetic retinopathy, a history of peripheral n europathy, amputation, cardiovascular disease, a higher glycosylated h emoglobin, use of antihypertensive medications, and higher BMI. CONCLU SIONS - These data suggest that tighter glycemic control and careful s election of antihypertensive medications might prove beneficial.