Medical conditions that were once considered "old age" diseases, such as Type 2 diabetes and hypertension, are now being diagnosed in men in their 20s and 30s at record rates. Diabetes is particularly damaging to sexual health because high blood sugar levels cause nerve damage (neuropathy) and vascular impairment, both of which are critical for the erectile process. In many instances, a sudden onset of ED is the very first clinical sign of an undiagnosed metabolic or cardiovascular issue. This makes ED a powerful diagnostic tool—a "window" into the heart—that can prompt a young man to make life-saving changes before a cardiac event occurs. Managing blood pressure and glucose levels through medication and weight loss can often restore erectile function while simultaneously protecting long-term systemic health.
