Erectile dysfunction (ED) affects around 75% of men living with Type 2 diabetes. This happens in part because having high blood sugar levels over a long period of time can damage both the nerves and blood vessels, eventually leading to the inability to form or keep an erection.
Several ED medications are widely available to assist with this condition. However, not all ED medications are equally effective for everyone. Some have been discovered to improve blood sugar levels in both sexes of diabetes patients over time, including a medication called tadalafil. Read on to learn more about tadalafil and the ways it may improve blood sugar levels in both men and women with diabetes.
What Is Tadalafil?
Tadalafil — commonly known by the brand name Cialis — is a phosphodiesterase (PDE) inhibitor prescribed to men who are experiencing issues related to sexual function, including impotence. It’s also often used to treat the symptoms of benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH), which is also known as an enlarged prostate.
Generally, PDE inhibitors promote vasodilation (blood vessel dilation) and smooth muscle relaxation, specifically in the heart, lungs, and genitals. PDEs are a family of enzymes that play an important role in regulating cell functions by increasing intracellular levels of cyclic adenosine monophosphate (cAMP) and cyclic guanosine monophosphate (cGMP).
Both cAMP and cGMP are responsible for regulating cells’ physiological processes. They decrease cellular levels of calcium to help regulate hormones and neurotransmitters. However, they’re broken down quickly by the phosphodiesterase enzymes. This can leave excess calcium behind in the cells.
PDE inhibitors work to prevent cAMP and cGMP molecules from breaking down within the cells. This further decreases the levels of calcium in the cells, which leads to vasodilation within the tissues.
ED medications like tadalafil work by relaxing the blood vessels. This improves overall circulation and potentially helps with sexual function while lowering blood pressure.
Tadalafil and Blood Sugar in Type 2 Diabetes
A 2023 study found that individuals with Type 2 diabetes saw significant improvements in their long-term blood sugar levels when they were adequately treated with high-dose tadalafil. The primary goal of the study, which involved 12 men and six postmenopausal women, was to determine whether tadalafil could enhance insulin sensitivity. Using a randomized, double-blind placebo-controlled method, patients were assigned either 20 milligrams of tadalafil or the placebo for six weeks.
Concerning the patients’ insulin sensitivity, no discernible difference was found between the high doses of tadalafil and the placebo. However, there was a clear improvement in metabolic control in the patients who were receiving the tadalafil. Measurements of the patients’ hemoglobin A1c (HbA1c) were taken throughout the study and compared.
Ultimately, the clinical research found that the levels of Hba1c fell by an average of 2.50 mmol/mol. This is considered a remarkable improvement in such a short period of time. Higher HbA1c values are associated with a greater risk of complications in Type 2 diabetes patients — including damage to the kidneys, nerves, and eyes.
Additionally, the researchers participating in the study found that tadalafil also increased blood flow in patients’ hearts, skeletal muscles, and adipose tissue while also resulting in an increase in glucose uptake. All of these things are known to have a positive effect on the liver, which can further prevent complications of the chronic disease.
Is Tadalafil the Answer to Blood Glucose Moderation?
Medical researchers are confident in the potential of tadalafil as a supplementary treatment for Type 2 diabetes patients. However, the results of the pilot study will need to be replicated over a longer period of time, and further studies will need to involve more participants to determine a more accurate view of the ED medication’s potential.
Keep in mind that it is not advisable to self-medicate with tadalafil in an attempt to lower your blood sugar or moderate your glucose levels if you’ve been diagnosed with Type 2 diabetes. Tadalafil should only be taken as prescribed by a licensed and practicing physician.
Resource Links
“Prevalence of erectile dysfunction and associated factors among diabetic men attending the diabetic clinic at Felege Hiwot Referral Hospital, Bahir Dar, North West Ethiopia, 2016” via the National Library of Medicine
“Phosphodiesterase-5 (PDE5) Inhibitors In the Management of Erectile Dysfunction” via the National Library of Medicine
“ Phosphodiesterase Inhibitors: What Are They, How Do They Work, What Are They Used For, and More” via Elsevier
“Feasibility of high-dose tadalafil and effects on insulin resistance in well-controlled patients with type 2 diabetes (MAKROTAD): a single-centre, double-blind, randomised, placebo-controlled, cross-over phase 2 trial” via The Lancet Discovery Science