Erectile dysfunction in diabetes mellitus : a comprehensive narrative review of pathophysiology, genetic association studies and therapeutic approaches

Hostnik, Boštjan (author), Tonin, Gašper (author), Janež, Andrej (author), Klen, Jasna (author)

Introduction Erectile dysfunction (ED) is a highly prevalent complication of diabetes mellitus (DM), significantly impairing quality of life and psychosocial well-being. The prevalence of ED is estimated to be over 3.5 times higher in men with diabetes mellitus compared to those without. The aetiology of diabetic ED is multifactorial, stemming from complex diabetes mellitus-related systemic changes. The pathophysiology of diabetic ED involves interacting pathways, including endothelial dysfunction, accelerated atherosclerosis, autonomic and peripheral neuropathy, structural penile changes, hormonal imbalances, and psychological factors. Methods A review of the literature was conducted to examine the pathophysiological mechanisms, genetic associations, and treatment modalities related to diabetic ED. Particular attention was given to studies exploring pharmacogenetics and emerging therapeutic interventions. Results Management is multimodal, including lifestyle changes, counselling, and pharmacological agents (primarily phosphodiesterase type 5 inhibitors (PDE5Is)), but treatment response varies. Genetic studies have identified associations between ED risk/severity and polymorphisms in several candidate genes, including NOS3 (G894T, T786C, VNTR), ARG1/ARG2 (influencing nitric oxide substrate availability), ACE (I/D polymorphism), AR (CAG repeat length affecting androgen sensitivity), and VEGF (promoter polymorphisms). Pharmacogenetic studies suggest that polymorphisms in NOS3, AR, and VEGF may predict response to PDE5Is or testosterone therapy, while ARG1/ARG2 variations might guide future arginase-targeted therapies. Emerging treatments like low-intensity shockwave therapy, platelet-rich plasma, gene therapy, and stem cell therapy show promise but require more robust evidence. Conclusions Diabetic ED is a complex condition driven by multiple pathophysiological mechanisms often influenced by an underlying genetic predisposition. Understanding the interplay between pathophysiology and genetics is crucial for developing personalised treatment strategies. While current therapies offer benefits, variability in response highlights the need for tailored approaches. Further research, especially large-scale pharmacogenetic studies and randomised controlled trials for emerging therapies, is essential to identify reliable biomarkers, optimise treatment selection, and improve outcomes for men with diabetic ED.

• Language: English
• Keywords: diabetes mellitus, erectile dysfunction, genetic polymorphisms, International Index of Erectile Function, pathophysiology
• Work type: Article
• Typology: 1.02 - Review Article
• Organization: MF - Faculty of Medicine
• Publication status: Published
• Publication version: Version of Record
• Year: 2025
• Number of pages: 23 str.
• Numbering: Vol. 8, iss. 5, art. e70099
• PID: 20.500.12556/RUL-176653
• UDC: 616.379
• ISSN on article: 2398-9238
• DOI: 10.1002/edm2.70099
• COBISS.SI-ID: 249529091
• Publication date in RUL: 11.12.2025

Record is a part of a journal

• Title: Endocrinology, diabetes & metabolism
• Shortened title: Endocrinol. diabetes metab.
• Publisher: Wiley & Sons
• ISSN: 2398-9238
• COBISS.SI-ID: 529715993

Licences

• License: CC BY 4.0, Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 International
• Link: http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/
• Description: This is the standard Creative Commons license that gives others maximum freedom to do what they want with the work as long as they credit the author.

Secondary language

• Language: Slovenian
• Keywords: sladkorna bolezen, erektilna disfunkcija, genetski polimorfizmi

Projects

• Funder: ARIS - Slovenian Research and Innovation Agency
• Project number: P3-0298
• Name: Geni, hormonske in osebnostne spremembe pri metabolnih motnjah