Erectile dysfunction (ED) is a frequent complication in men with type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM), but the clinical characteristics and psychosocial burden in this population remain incompletely described. A study published in Frontiers in Endocrinology evaluated the prevalence, severity, clinical correlates, and emotional comorbidities of ED among men with T2DM.

The study included 208 male patients with T2DM who presented to the Department of Endocrinology at Jiangsu Provincial People’s Hospital between July 2020 and March 2021. Demographic information and diabetes-related clinical data were collected. Emotional status was assessed using the Hamilton Anxiety Scale (HAMA) and Hamilton Depression Scale (HAMD). Sexual function was evaluated using the International Index of Erectile Function-5 (IIEF-5), Premature Ejaculation Diagnostic Tool (PEDT), and Arizona Sexual Experience Scale (ASEX). Statistical analyses examined relationships between demographic characteristics, clinical indicators, and questionnaire scores.

The prevalence of ED among men with T2DM was 67.8%, with mild ED observed in 57.2%, and moderate and severe ED each in 5.3% of patients. Compared with men with T2DM without ED, those with ED had higher age, higher PEDT and ASEX scores, increased left and right pulse wave velocity (PWV), and lower IIEF scores. Age and fasting insulin showed positive associations with ED development. ED severity showed relationships with HbA1c, age, educational level, and low-density lipoprotein (LDL) levels, as well as with left ankle brachial index (ABI) and bilateral PWV. IIEF-5 scores showed negative correlations with HAMA and HAMD scores, while PEDT scores correlated positively with both anxiety and depression scores.

These findings describe the clinical and psychological profile of ED among men with T2DM in this cohort.