Signs of Diabetes in Men

Picture of an Immune System Attack

Diabetes is a metabolic disorder that occurs when blood sugar (glucose) is too high (hyperglycemia). Glucose is what the body uses for energy, and the pancreas produces a hormone called insulin that helps convert glucose from the food you eat into energy. When the body either does not produce enough insulin, does not produce any at all, or your body becomes resistant to the insulin, the glucose does not reach your cells to be used for energy. This results in diabetes.

Prediabetes is a condition in which blood glucose levels are higher than normal, but a person does not yet have diabetes. Prediabetes and high blood glucose levels are risk factors for developing diabetes, heart disease, and other health problems.

Prediabetes often presents with no clear symptoms, making it challenging to detect without screening. However, some individuals may notice early signs that suggest increased risk, such as the presence of dark patches on the skin, known as acanthosis nigricans, particularly in areas such as the neck or armpits. Fatigue and blurry vision can also occur due to inefficient glucose use. Other warning signs of prediabetes may include increased urination, feeling the need to urinate more often, and/or increased thirst, which are related to mild elevations in blood sugar levels.

Regular screening is crucial for detecting prediabetes early, especially for those at risk.

Signs of diabetes in men include frequent urination, excessive thirst, unexplained weight loss, and fatigue. Additionally, men may experience erectile dysfunction or reduced libido, which can be linked to diabetes-related complications.

There are two main types of diabetes - type 1 and type 2:

• Type 1 diabetes, formerly called juvenile diabetes, because it usually is diagnosed during childhood. Type 1 diabetes is an autoimmune condition in which the body does not produce insulin because the body’s immune system attacks insulin-producing cells from the pancreas called beta cells. Type 1 diabetes is treated by using insulin.
• Type 2 diabetes is a condition in which cells cannot use blood sugar (glucose) efficiently for energy. This occurs when blood sugar levels get too high over time, and the cells become insensitive or resistant to insulin (termed insulin resistance). There are multiple medications used to treat type 2 diabetes.

Common symptoms of type 2 diabetes include:

• Increased thirst
• Frequent urination
• Excessive hunger
• Unexplained weight loss
• Extreme fatigue
• Blurred vision
• Slow-healing wounds
• Tingling, pain, or numbness in the hands or feet
• Frequent infections

Gender is a risk factor for diabetes, and men are at higher risk of developing type 2 diabetes than women.

Low testosterone in men can be a contributing risk factor for developing diabetes.

Other risk factors for developing diabetes for both men and women include:

• Family history (first-degree relative with diabetes)
• Ethnicity (increased risk for Asians, Hispanics, and African Americans)
• Obesity
• Fat distribution: more fat around the middle
• High blood pressure
• High cholesterol
• Sedentary lifestyle (lack of exercise)
• Smoking
• Excess alcohol intake
• Lack of sleep
• Unhealthy diet with high calorie or sugar content and lacking beneficial nutrients

Understanding signs of diabetes in men is crucial for early detection. Signs and symptoms of diabetes unique to men include:

• Erectile dysfunction (ED, or impotence)
• Retrograde ejaculation, which is when semen enters the bladder during ejaculation instead of being expelled through the penis
• Low testosterone (low-T)
• Decreased sex drive (decreased libido) and sexual dysfunction

Early signs of diabetes in both men and women may include:

• Increased thirst: Excessive thirst due to high blood sugar levels causes dehydration.
• Frequent urination: High glucose levels cause an increase in urine production.
• Unexplained weight loss: Weight loss occurs despite normal or increased appetite, as the body resorts to using fat and muscle for energy.
• Fatigue: Persistent tiredness is caused by inefficient glucose use for energy.
• Blurry vision: High blood sugar levels can lead to changes in the lens of the eye, affecting focus and clarity.
• Slow-healing wounds: Poor circulation and immune response impact the healing process.

While the signs of diabetes in men and women are not entirely the same, there are several diabetes symptoms that both genders share, including:

• Excessive thirst and hunger
• Frequent urination (from urinary tract infections or kidney problems)
• Weight loss or gain
• Fatigue
• Irritability
• Blurred vision
• Slow-healing wounds
• Nausea
• Skin infections
• Darkening of skin in areas of body creases (acanthosis nigricans)
• Breath odor that is fruity, sweet, or an acetone odor
• Tingling or numbness in the hands or feet

Men who have type 2 diabetes are twice as likely to have low testosterone (low-T) than men who do not have diabetes. Because of the low levels of the hormone testosterone, men with diabetes can have unhealthy symptoms not seen in women with diabetes.

• Low testosterone: Low testosterone can cause decreased sex drive, depression, lack of energy, and reduced muscle mass. It can also cause male-specific sexual problems and urological problems.
• Erectile dysfunction: Erectile dysfunction (ED, impotence), or inability to get or maintain an erection, is a common symptom of diabetes in men. Diabetic men experience erectile dysfunction at earlier ages than men who do not have diabetes.

Retrograde ejaculation: Another diabetes-related sexual dysfunction symptom in men is reduced amounts of ejaculation or retrograde ejaculation. Retrograde ejaculation is a condition in which the semen goes into the bladder, rather than out of the body through the urethra. Diabetes and damage to the blood vessels cause nerve damage to the muscles that control the bladder and urethra, which results in this problem.

Early consultation with a health care provider can help manage and address these signs of diabetes in men effectively.

A doctor or other health care provider will order urine and blood tests to find out if you have diabetes.

There are several different types of blood tests used to diagnose diabetes:

• Fasting blood sugar test: After fasting for 12 hours, a glucose level is checked in your blood. If it is high, it can be indicative of diabetes.
• Hemoglobin A1C test: This test tells your doctor how your average blood glucose level has been over the past 2-3 months.
  • Normal ranges for HbA1c are between 4% and 5.6%.
  • HbA1c levels that range from 5.7% to 6.4% indicate an increased risk of diabetes.
  • HbA1c levels higher than 6.5% indicate diabetes, while higher percentages indicate either worsening diabetic disease or poor response to diabetic treatments.
• Random blood sugar test: This is a test of your blood sugar at the moment your blood is drawn, but this number can vary greatly based on when you last ate.
• Oral glucose tolerance test: This test is rarely used in men, but it measures your body’s response to a large amount of glucose.

Long-term diabetes-related complications include:

• High blood pressure
• Heart disease
• Nerve damage and neuropathy (nerve pain)
• Kidney disease
• Retinopathy (nerve damage in the eye and/or blindness)
• Stroke
• Skin infections
• Peripheral vascular disease
• Yeast infections

• How can I tell if I have diabetes? You might suspect you have diabetes if you experience symptoms such as persistent hunger, frequent urination, excessive thirst, fatigue, unexplained weight loss, or slow-healing sores. A definitive diagnosis requires diagnostic tests such as fasting blood glucose, oral glucose tolerance test, or HbA1c levels. It’s important to discuss any concerns with a health care professional for appropriate testing and diagnosis.
• Are frequent urination and thirst signs of diabetes? Frequent urination and excessive thirst are common signs of diabetes, often resulting from high blood sugar levels. Elevated glucose levels lead the body to expel excess glucose through urine, which in turn triggers increased fluid intake. If you experience these symptoms, consult a health care professional for appropriate testing and diagnosis.
• Can unexplained weight loss indicate diabetes? Unexplained weight loss can be a sign of diabetes, particularly if it occurs alongside other symptoms such as increased thirst and frequent urination. This weight loss happens because the body breaks down fat and muscle for energy when it cannot properly use glucose. If you experience these symptoms, medical evaluation and testing is crucial.
• What are the warning signs of high blood sugar? Warning signs of high blood sugar include excessive thirst, frequent urination, unexplained fatigue, and blurred vision. These symptoms happen because high glucose levels impact the body’s hydration and energy. For an accurate diagnosis and treatment plan, it’s important to consult a health care provider.
• Is blurry vision a symptom of diabetes? Blurred vision can be a symptom of diabetes. It often occurs because high blood sugar levels affect the fluid balance in the eyes, leading to swelling of the lens and changes in vision. This symptom typically indicates the need for a medical evaluation to manage blood sugar levels and prevent further complications.
• What are the physical signs of diabetes in children? Physical signs of diabetes in children may include frequent urination, excessive thirst or hunger, unexplained weight loss, and blurred vision. Other symptoms can include fatigue, irritability, slow-healing wounds, dry and itchy skin, tingling or numbness in the hands or feet, and frequent yeast infections.
• How do fatigue and diabetes relate? Fatigue in diabetes often arises from elevated blood sugar levels, which impair the body's ability to effectively use glucose for energy. This can lead to persistent tiredness and weakness. Additionally, diabetes-related complications, such as poor sleep quality or infections, may further contribute to feelings of fatigue.
• Can skin changes be a sign of diabetes? Skin changes can be a sign of diabetes, as the condition may cause symptoms such as dry, itchy skin, and slow-healing wounds or sores. Additionally, certain skin conditions, such as dark patches (acanthosis nigricans), can be indicative of insulin resistance associated with diabetes.