What is a possible secondary impact of diabetes mellitus on sexual function?

Erectile dysfunction is a well-documented secondary impact of diabetes mellitus on sexual function. Diabetes can lead to various physical changes that affect sexual health, including nerve damage (neuropathy) and impaired blood circulation, which are common complications of the condition. These changes can disrupt the physiological processes necessary for achieving and maintaining an erection, resulting in erectile dysfunction.

Additionally, the interplay between diabetes and related conditions like hypertension or cardiovascular disease can exacerbate these issues. Managing diabetes effectively, including maintaining appropriate blood glucose levels, can sometimes help improve sexual function, but erectile dysfunction remains a major concern for many individuals with this condition.

Other options, while they might appear plausible, do not align with the typical manifestations of diabetes-related sexual dysfunction. For example, delayed ejaculation could occur but is less common; increased libido is not typically associated with diabetes, as hormonal imbalances can lead to decreased libido; and excessive sensitivity is not a widely recognized consequence of diabetes. Thus, erectile dysfunction stands out as the most significant and relevant effect on sexual function in the context of diabetes mellitus.