There are 34 million people in the U.S. with diabetes, but men are more likely to get it. Research shows 14% of all men develop diabetes compared to 12% of women.
Men are not only at a higher risk, but they’re also less likely to talk with their doctor about any problems. As a result, men with diabetes tend to go undiagnosed.
To help, it’s important for men to know the warning signs. If these warning signs are detected, it’s time to talk with your doctor and get tested for diabetes.
The warning signs are:
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Skin problems
Skin problems tend to occur first, especially with Type 2 diabetes. If your skin is itchy, dry, scaly, inflamed, or slow to heal, it could be a sign of diabetes. What causes this? Diabetes usually causes poor blood flow and circulation, which can create trouble for your skin.
Also, noticeable skin blisters are a sign of diabetes. Men are at a higher risk of devolving diabeticorum, which is doctor-speak for large blister.
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Bladder problems
How often are you going to the bathroom? If it feels like you’re urinating more than usual, it could also be a sign of diabetes. An excess of sugar in the body causes the kidneys to work harder to remove fluids, which in turn, causes more frequent trips to the bathroom.
Loss of bladder control and incontinence are also signals of diabetes.
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Trouble in the bedroom
A symptom that’s unique to men who are dealing with the onset of diabetes is erectile dysfunction. Often, erectile dysfunction, or ED, is one of the first symptoms of diabetes that’s detected by men.
Men with diabetes usually have lower levels of testosterone, which can create higher levels of blood sugar. Since diabetes impacts blood flow, it tends to impact a man’s ability to get and keep an erection. Prolonged ED should be discussed with a doctor.
