Beyond Age and Testosterone: The Surprising Link Between Blood Sugar and Men's Sexual Health

Even Slight Blood Sugar Elevations Impact Male Sexual Health, Study Finds
Even mildly elevated blood sugar levels can impair sperm movement and erectile function, highlighting a crucial link between metabolic health and male fertility


For a long time, age and declining testosterone levels have been widely considered the primary drivers behind a decrease in men's sexual health. However, groundbreaking new research presented at ENDO 2025, the Endocrine Society's annual meeting, suggests a different, more nuanced picture: even subtle elevations in blood sugar, well below the diabetes threshold, play a significant role in affecting men's sexual and reproductive well-being.

The Overlooked Culprit: Slight Blood Sugar Increases

A long-term study involving healthy men revealed that glucose levels, even in individuals not diagnosed with diabetes, can impair sperm motility, weaken erections, and reduce libido. These findings highlight that metabolic factors, particularly modest increases in blood sugar, are more closely correlated with changes in the male reproductive system and sexual functioning than age alone[1][2][3].

Dr. Michael Zitzmann, a professor of medicine at Münster University Hospital in Germany, emphasized, "While age and testosterone levels have long been considered an impetus for men's declining sexual health, our research indicates that these changes more closely correlate with modest increases in blood sugar and other metabolic changes. This means men can take steps to preserve or rejuvenate their reproductive health through lifestyle choices and appropriate medical interventions."

Insights from the Long-Term Study

The study, conducted from 2014 to 2020, initially involved 200 healthy men aged 18 to 85, without a history of diabetes, heart disease, or cancer. By its conclusion, 117 participants remained. Researchers meticulously tracked gradual changes in semen quality, hormone levels, erectile function, and metabolic indicators such as Body Mass Index (BMI) and HbA1c, a marker for average blood sugar levels[1][6].

The results were compelling: while hormone levels and semen parameters generally remained within normal ranges over time, both sperm movement and erectile function declined in men who had even minimally elevated blood sugar levels—levels still below the 6.5% HbA1c threshold for diabetes. The study also noted that while testosterone levels did not directly impact erectile function, they did correlate with participants' libido[1][4].

Implications for Male Sexual Health

This research underscores the critical importance of blood sugar management in maintaining male sexual and reproductive health. High glucose levels can damage both nerves and blood vessels, which are crucial for achieving and maintaining erections, consequently leading to erectile dysfunction[3][5]. It suggests that controlling blood sugar, rather than solely focusing on hormone levels, could be a key strategy for preserving sexual and reproductive health as men age[6].

Dr. Zitzmann expressed optimism, stating, "We're hopeful that the information gleaned from this study will help doctors and their patients formulate effective male sexual health maintenance plans. We now know that it's in our power to retain sexual and reproductive well-being in men, even as they age"[1].

Lifestyle interventions, such as a balanced diet rich in whole foods and fiber, and regular physical activity, are recommended to help stabilize blood sugar levels, improve insulin sensitivity, and support overall metabolic health, thereby mitigating potential negative impacts on sexual function[3][5].

References

Location: Germany

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