Sexual dysfunction in men with prediabetes

INTRODUCTION: Previous studies have shown a strong association between diabetes mellitus (DM) and the frequency and severity of some aspects of male sexual dysfunction (SD). The same relationship with prediabetes (preDM) has been less well investigated. AIM: To systematically review the current literature on the association between preDM and SD, focusing on erectile dysfunction (ED), sex steroid hormone alterations, and premature ejaculation (PE). METHODS: The present review was conducted in accordance with the PRISMA declaration standards for systematic reviews. A systematic search for the terms "male sexual dysfunction," "prediabetes," "IFG or IGT," "glycemia," "ED," "ejaculation," and "hypoactive sexual desire disorder" was carried out in the PubMed and Embase databases. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURE: Prevalence of SD in men with preDM and severity of ED, PE, and hormone alterations in men with preDM compared with controls. RESULTS: 12 studies reporting data on the association between SD and preDM were found in the literature. According to these studies, ED is more prevalent in men with preDM compared with controls, the severity of ED increases progressively as a function of impaired glucose metabolism, testosterone values and preDM are strongly correlated, men with preDM are at increased risk of testosterone deficiency and hypogonadism, men with hypogonadism have a higher prevalence of preDM, and the association between PE and preDM is controversial. CONCLUSION: PreDM is a common and underdiagnosed clinical condition that is strongly associated with male SD. A detailed glucose metabolism investigation should be performed in every patient with SD to screen for glucose abnormalities and eventually to implement prevention program to decrease their chances of developing life-changing chronic illnesses.