Blood must contain a certain amount of sugar, called glucose, to properly nourish and energize the body. Diabetics, however, have more blood glucose than their bodies can use, and this damages the body. According to the American Diabetes Association, in 2007, the National Diabetes Fact Sheet reported that 12 million men have diabetes. Knowing the symptoms of diabetes in men may prompt an early diagnosis and the start of treatment before permanent damage occurs.
Erectile Dysfunction
One symptom of diabetes that occurs only in men is erectile dysfunction. Diabetes can slowly damage the nerves and blood vessels in the penis, making an erection difficult or impossible to achieve, says the American Diabetes Association. This alone does not indicate diabetes, since erectile dysfunction may stem from other causes.
Excessive Thirst and Urination
Both male and female diabetics may experience severe thirst, accompanied by frequent urination. The Mayo Clinic explains that this occurs because the high blood glucose levels cause the kidneys to work harder, and then excess sugar is dumped into the urine. This will cause a person to urinate frequently, and, as part of a vicious cycle, the frequent urination leads to dehydration and thirst. Diabetics will then drink a lot of water, leading to the need to urinate.
Unexplained Weight Loss and Hunger
Diabetes may cause men to experience unexpected weight loss, says the American Diabetes Association. This may result from frequent urination and the loss of calories. As well, the disease may create an environment where the sugars in food do not reach the cells in the body, which may cause a feeling of constant hunger, says the Mayo Clinic.
Poor Healing and Nerve Damage
Diabetes may cause difficulty with wound healing, although the exact reason for this is not completely understood, according to the Mayo Clinic. Nerve damage, called neuropathy, is also a symptom of diabetes. Neuropathy involves tingling or numbness in the fingers, toes, extremities or other parts of the body.
Fatigue and Irritability
Diabetics experience constant fatigue and irritability from blood sugar changes, says the American Diabetes Association. This decreased energy may result from the body's inability to process and properly use the sugars in food.
Vision Changes
Diabetics may experience fluctuations in vision. This results from the buildup of glucose in the natural lens in the eye, says the Mayo Clinic. Diabetes can also damage the blood vessels in the back of the eye, resulting in bleeding from the vessels--a condition called diabetic retinopathy. If left untreated, the condition may lead to blindness.
