Is there an association between the use of antidiabetic drugs and erectile dysfunction?

This study examined whether there is an association between the use of antidiabetic drugs and erectile dysfunction (ED). It found that the use of gliclazide (Diamicron) and metformin (Glucophage) increased the risk of ED development. At the same time, there was no association between insulin use and the risk of ED development. 

Erectile dysfunction (ED) is a long-term problem where a man is not able to get and maintain an erection during sex. It commonly affects patients who have diabetes. Antidiabetic drugs are often used in the treatment of patients with diabetes. Metformin is very widely prescribed to lower blood sugar and lower cardiovascular (heart and blood vessel) death rates in patients with diabetes. Gliclazide is a sulfonylurea drug (often used in combination with other diabetes medications such as metformin) that increases insulin release. Many patients also need to use synthetic insulin to lower their blood glucose levels It is important to study the impact of commonly used antidiabetic medications on ED.

This study analyzed whether there was a link between the use of 3 commonly prescribed antidiabetic medications (metformin, insulin, and gliclazide) and the development of ED. Data was analyzed from 4 large public genetic studies. The causal effect of antidiabetic drug use was tested for ED.

Metformin increased the risk of ED by 39%. Also, gliclazide use was statistically significantly associated with a 0.125% increase in the risk of ED compared to the general population. There was no significant relationship between insulin use and an increased risk of developing ED.  

The study concluded that the use of metformin and gliclazide increased the risk of ED development. There was no causal relationship between the use of insulin and ED. 

This study only included European studies. This study was based on genetic risks. The effect of these antidiabetic drugs on ED was not evaluated. Further studies are needed.