Type 2 diabetes symptoms in men include those that are common to all or most people who are living with diabetes - but they also include a few issues that are unique to males. To help you to understand how Type 2 diabetes affects men, we’ll begin by looking at symptoms that affect men before taking a brief look at general diabetes symptoms that may affect people of both sexes. Bear in mind that sex differs from gender identity and is a purely biological designation.

Symptoms of Type 2 Diabetes Specific to Men

Reduced Strength and Loss of Muscle Mass

A study published in the World Journal of Diabetes found that a loss of skeletal muscle mass can be associated with diabetes in men, and not as markedly in women. Insufficient insulin activity limits the formation of muscle cells, causing skeletal muscle mass to decline. The solution? Strength training can help to rebuild wasted muscle - but you should talk to your doctor about any training program you’d like to undertake since unaccustomed exercise can impact your diabetes management strategy.

Recurrent Genital Thrush

Thrush is a yeast infection that can affect the mouth or the genitals. In men, genital thrush symptoms include inflammation of the head of the penis, white lumps on the skin, soreness, discomfort and an unpleasant odour. It occurs because blood sugar is too high, and the kidneys work to get rid of the extra sugar in the urine. But since sugar is a good food for yeasts, thrush is able to thrive. Fortunately, thrush is easy to treat with prescribed medications, and good management of your blood sugar levels will help you to prevent it from recurring.

Erectile Dysfunction

Diabetes damages nerves and blood vessels, and this can affect men’s ability to achieve and maintain an erection. As many as 75 percent of men with diabetes may experience this symptom. Talk to your doctor about interventions that may help you - there are several options that you may find worth exploring. Good Type 2 diabetes management can help to prevent further damage.

Retrograde Ejaculation

Retrograde ejaculation occurs when some or all of the semen is released into the bladder. You may notice that there seems to be less semen or even none at all. There are treatments that can help you, so your first step is to talk to your doctor. Up to 40 percent of men with Type 2 diabetes experience this problem.

Reduced Testosterone, Sperm Count, Peyronies’s Disease

Other symptoms of Type 2 diabetes in men include lower levels of testosterone which may reduce interest in sex, contribute to erectile dysfunction, or leave you feeling tired and depressed. It’s part of ageing, but diabetes aggravates it. Diabetes can also reduce your sperm count making it difficult for you and your partner to conceive. Finally, men with diabetes have a greater chance of developing Peyronie’s Disease which causes penis curvature. Be open with your doctor about any concerns you may have. The right treatment may help you.

Urological Issues

Apart from sexual dysfunction, men with Type 2 diabetes may experience other urological issues. You may struggle to urinate, tend to drip after urination, or notice a weak stream caused by obstructions of the urethra. Nerve damage from high blood sugar levels contributes to urinary problems. You may also experience frequent urinary tract infections, and like diabetics of either sex, experience overly frequent urination. Control your blood sugar level within healthy limits and work with your doctor to ease your symptoms.

Common Diabetes Symptoms in Both Men and Women

Both men and women with Type 2 diabetes may need to urinate often, especially during the night. They may feel tired and experience unexplained weight loss, feel unusually hungry, experience blurred vision, have tingling or sensations of numbness in the hands or feet, notice slowness in wound healing, or have more infections than normal.

The important thing to remember is that if you experience any of these symptoms, you should see a doctor. You may not experience all the symptoms of Type 2 diabetes while still having it. Early intervention means less damage to your body, so don’t delay reaching out for help.

Diabetes Can Make Getting Insurance More Difficult

Although struggling to get life insurance isn’t a symptom of diabetes, it’s a complication that many people experience. You’re in relatively good health and are taking care to keep it that way, but many insurers seem intent on making it as difficult as possible to get a life insurance policy. It’s frustrating! Does it have to be this way?

With Blueberry Life, it doesn’t. We acknowledge you as a person who is working to enjoy a long and productive life, and we’ve made it possible for you to get life insurance cover quickly and easily. All you need is 5 minutes to tell us about yourself.

Simply complete the online application form. Get started now!

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Reviewed by Dr. Kingshuk Pal