Abstract

Diabetes can induce sexual disorders by different mechanisms. These troubles are more frequent in diabetics subjects. Thus, management of sexual impotence is an important aspect of diabetes care. However, most diabetologists are not trained to treat sexual disorders. The recent availability of oral drugs, i. e. Sildenafil (Viagra), has partly simplified the treatment of sexual impotence, particularly in diabetic patients. However, Viagra is efficient in only 60% cases in diabetic subjects. In the remaining cases, intracavernosal injections or vacuum can be used. Since Viagra has been available, more diabetic patients complained with sexual disorders, and ask for treatment of impotence. Cardio-vascular diseases must retain more attention in diabetic patients who are exposed to silencious myocardial ischemia. In such subjects, Viagra is not contra-indicated, but must be used after myocardial explorations, especially if the patients have cardio-vascular risk factors. However, patients and their doctors have been threatened by death cases reported with Viagra in United States. The lack of detailed informations has restrained Viagra's prescription. The following explains how to manage sexual disorders as part of diabetes care, and suggests rules for Viagra's prescription in diabetic patients.