Endocrine Abstracts

Introduction: Sexual dysfunction is prevalent among patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM), though clinical and epidemiological data vary with sample size. This study aims to assess the clinical and epidemiological characteristics of sexual dysfunction in men with T2DM at the Hospital de los Andes in Mérida, Venezuela.

Objective: To evaluate the prevalence and characteristics of sexual dysfunction in men with T2DM.

Materials and Methods: This non-interventional, continuous screening study involved 100 men with T2DM, aged 59 ± 11 years, conducted from January to December 2022. A sexological survey was administered using the International Index of Erectile Function (IIEF-5), alongside measurements of glycosylated hemoglobin (HbA1c) and total testosterone levels. Pharmacodopplerography of penile vessels was performed for patients with erectile dysfunction (ED). Group comparisons were made using the Mann-Whitney U test, considering P < 0.05 as statistically significant.

RESULTS: The prevalence of sexual dysfunction was as follows: decreased libido (81%), erectile dysfunction (ED) (72%), delayed ejaculation (24%), premature ejaculation (35%), retrograde ejaculation (7%), and infertility (9%). A significant difference in total testosterone levels was found between patients with and without decreased libido (6.4 vs. 13.5 nmol/l, P < 0.001). Higher HbA1c levels were observed in patients with low libido (9.7 vs. 6.3, P < 0.001), and patients with ED also had higher HbA1c levels (10.3 vs. 7.1%, P < 0.001). No associations were found between carbohydrate metabolism and premature or retrograde ejaculation. Only 11% of patients actively sought medical consultation for sexual dysfunction.

Conclusion: Men with T2DM show a high prevalence of sexual disorders linked to metabolic decompensation and diabetes duration. Hypogonadism significantly contributes to decreased libido, complicating clinical detection of these disorders, highlighting the need for screening programs for effective management.

Keywords: type 2 diabetes, sexual dysfunction, erectile dysfunction, testosterone, libido, glycosylated hemoglobin.