Simran Arora

Diabetic Men Using Weight Loss Drugs May Develop Erectile Dysfunction: Study

A 2026 target trial emulation has found that glucagon-like peptide, also known as GLP-1, which is used by type-2 <span><a href="https://www.healthandme.com/health/diabetes">diabetes</a></span> patients, can raise the risk of suffering from <span><a href="https://www.healthandme.com/health/erectile-dysfunction">erectile dysfunction</a></span>. According to a report published in the <a href="https://www.emjreviews.com/diabetes/news/glp-1-use-may-be-tied-to-erectile-dysfunction/" data-type="tilCustomLink" target="_blank" rel="noopener nofollow noreferrer" rel= "noopener nofollow noreferrer" target= "_blank">European Medical Journal</a>, the impact of GLP-1s on sexual health outcomes in diabetic men has been inconsistent and limited. Erectile dysfunction, however, has been a prominent complication affecting 50 per cent of men with type-2 diabetes over their lifetime.

<h2>The effect of GLP-1 on men with type-2 diabetes</h2>

For this, researchers analysed the electronic health records of men aged 18 years and above with type-2 diabetes in the US from January 2019 to September 2024. Participants were started on treatment with either dipeptidyl peptidase-4 inhibitors (DPP4i) or GLP-1, with 5,524 and 4,910 individuals, respectively. Men with a history of erectile dysfunction diagnosis or end-stage renal disease were not part of the study population. The mean age of these men was 63 years, and the average <span>BMI</span> was 32.8—55 per cent of participants were White, and 23 per cent were Black. GLP-1 users were younger and had a higher prevalence of obesity compared to DPP4i users.

<h2>Higher rate of erectile dysfunction</h2>

Experts involved in the study found that the incidence of erectile dysfunction in the GLP-1 group was about 35 cases per 1,000 person-years. In the case of DPP4i users, the number dropped to 28 per 1,000 person-years. Hence, people in the GLP-1 cohort had a 26 per cent higher risk of developing erectile dysfunction over a three-year follow-up period. Results were consistent across subgroups; however, they lacked statistical significance after adjustment for negative outcomes.

<h2>Can GLP-1 cause erectile dysfunction?</h2>

Researchers noted that the findings of the target trial emulation suggest that sexual health outcomes must be considered in diabetic men, especially those dealing with type-2 diabetes and undergoing treatment with GLP-1 drugs. These findings also highlight the need for randomised trials with standardised erectile dysfunction assessments to further investigate biological pathways.

<h2>What complications does type-2 diabetes cause in men?</h2>

Type-2 diabetes can cause the following complications in men:

<ol><li>Heart disease</li><li>Stroke</li><li>Erectile dysfunction</li><li>Kidney disease</li><li>Retrograde ejaculation</li><li>Lower testosterone levels</li><li>Urinary retention or frequent urination</li><li>Vision loss—diabetic retinopathy</li></ol>

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A 2026 target trial emulation has found that glucagon-like peptide, also known as GLP-1, which is used by type-2 diabetes patients, can raise the risk of suffering from erectile dysfunction. According to a report published in the European Medical Journal, the impact of GLP-1s on sexual health outcomes in diabetic men has been inconsistent and limited. Erectile dysfunction, however, has been a prominent complication affecting 50 per cent of men with type-2 diabetes over their lifetime.The effect of GLP-1 on men with type-2 diabetesFor this, researchers analysed the electronic health records of men aged 18 years and above with type-2 diabetes in the US from January 2019 to September 2024. Participants were started on treatment with either dipeptidyl peptidase-4 inhibitors (DPP4i) or GLP-1, with 5,524 and 4,910 individuals, respectively. Men with a history of erectile dysfunction diagnosis or end-stage renal disease were not part of the study population. The mean age of these men was 63 years, and the average BMI was 32.8—55 per cent of participants were White, and 23 per cent were Black. GLP-1 users were younger and had a higher prevalence of obesity compared to DPP4i users.Higher rate of erectile dysfunctionExperts involved in the study found that the incidence of erectile dysfunction in the GLP-1 group was about 35 cases per 1,000 person-years. In the case of DPP4i users, the number dropped to 28 per 1,000 person-years. Hence, people in the GLP-1 cohort had a 26 per cent higher risk of developing erectile dysfunction over a three-year follow-up period. Results were consistent across subgroups; however, they lacked statistical significance after adjustment for negative outcomes.Can GLP-1 cause erectile dysfunction?Researchers noted that the findings of the target trial emulation suggest that sexual health outcomes must be considered in diabetic men, especially those dealing with type-2 diabetes and undergoing treatment with GLP-1 drugs. These findings also highlight the need for randomised trials with standardised erectile dysfunction assessments to further investigate biological pathways.What complications does type-2 diabetes cause in men?Type-2 diabetes can cause the following complications in men:Heart diseaseStrokeErectile dysfunctionKidney diseaseRetrograde ejaculationLower testosterone levelsUrinary retention or frequent urinationVision loss—diabetic retinopathy