Why Men Should Pay Attention
Diabetes affects millions of men across the United States, often developing silently before symptoms appear. Understanding how it impacts your energy, hormones, and long-term health can help you prevent or delay serious complications.
At CLS Health, our endocrinology and men’s health specialists help men identify diabetes early, manage it effectively, and protect their overall well-being through coordinated care.
What Is Diabetes?
Diabetes is a condition where blood sugar levels stay too high because the body doesn’t make enough insulin or can’t use it properly.
There are three main types:
- Type 1 diabetes: The body makes little or no insulin.
- Type 2 diabetes: The body becomes resistant to insulin over time.
- Prediabetes: Blood sugar levels are high but not yet in the diabetes range.
Men are at increased risk due to higher rates of abdominal fat, metabolic syndrome, and a tendency to delay medical care. Early diagnosis helps prevent complications that can affect energy, fertility, and heart health.
Early Warning Signs of Diabetes in Men
Common Symptoms
- Increased thirst and frequent urination
- Fatigue or low energy
- Blurry vision
- Slow-healing cuts
- Frequent infections
Male-Specific Clues
- Erectile dysfunction or fewer morning erections
- Low testosterone symptoms (fatigue, loss of muscle mass, mood changes)
- Recurrent yeast infections or jock itch
If you’re over 35, have a family history of diabetes, are overweight, or have high blood pressure or cholesterol, talk to your provider about screening.
How Diabetes Affects Your Body
High blood sugar affects nearly every major system. Here’s how:
Eyes: Vision & Retinopathy
Diabetes can damage the small blood vessels in your eyes, leading to blurry vision, floaters, or retinopathy.
Schedule annual eye exams to detect changes early and protect your sight.
Feet: Circulation & Nerve Health
Poor circulation and nerve damage may cause numbness, tingling, or slow-healing sores.
Check your feet daily and visit a podiatrist regularly to prevent infections or ulcers.
Heart & Blood Vessels: The Silent Risk
Diabetes speeds up plaque buildup in arteries, raising the risk of heart attack and stroke.
Control blood pressure, cholesterol, and blood sugar — and talk to your provider about a cardiometabolic checkup.
Kidneys: Filtering & Function
High blood sugar can damage your kidneys over time, leading to protein in the urine or kidney disease.
Annual kidney function tests help detect early changes so treatment can begin right away.
Nerves: Tingling & Balance
Nerve damage (neuropathy) can cause burning, numbness, or imbalance.
Maintaining stable glucose levels and following your provider’s care plan can ease symptoms and prevent worsening.
Sexual & Hormonal Health
Diabetes may cause erectile dysfunction, lower testosterone, or fertility changes due to poor blood flow and hormone imbalance.
A coordinated plan between your urologist and endocrinologist can help restore energy and confidence.
Metabolism & Weight
Excess abdominal fat and insulin resistance can lead to fatty liver disease (NAFLD) and further metabolic issues.
Our multidisciplinary team combines endocrinology, nutrition, and weight management for lasting results.
Screening & Diagnosis Checklist for Men (35–70+)
- A1C or fasting glucose test
- Blood pressure and cholesterol panel
- Kidney function (urine albumin/creatinine, eGFR)
- Annual eye and foot exams
- Sleep apnea evaluation if you snore or feel fatigued
- Vaccinations (flu, COVID-19, pneumococcal if indicated)
Regular screenings help you stay ahead of complications and take action early.
Your Diabetes Treatment Game Plan
Effective diabetes care combines lifestyle, medication, and technology:
- Lifestyle: Balanced nutrition, regular physical activity, quality sleep, and stress management.
- Medications: Tailored to your needs — may include metformin, GLP-1 receptor agonists, SGLT2 inhibitors, or insulin.
- Technology: Continuous glucose monitors (CGMs) make tracking progress easier.
At CLS Health, we bring together endocrinologists, cardiologists, podiatrists, and dietitians to coordinate your care.
When to Seek Immediate Medical Care
Call your provider or go to the ER if you experience:
- Chest pain, shortness of breath, or dizziness
- Vomiting, confusion, or very high blood sugar with ketones
- Foot wounds with redness, swelling, or drainage
- Sudden vision loss or severe hypoglycemia symptoms (shaking, sweating, fainting)
FAQs
Increased thirst, frequent urination, fatigue, and slow-healing wounds are classic symptoms. Men may also experience erectile dysfunction or frequent infections.
Yes. Diabetes can damage blood vessels and nerves that affect hormone balance and sexual function. A coordinated care plan can help restore both.
Most men with diabetes should check twice a year, or more often if treatment changes. Those with prediabetes should test annually.
Not always. Some men can lower their blood sugar through diet and exercise alone, while others need medication for the best results.
In many cases, yes. Losing 5–10% of body weight, improving diet quality, and staying active can return blood sugar to a healthy range.
Meet with a Diabetes Specialist in Houston, Cypress & Webster
Diabetes management doesn’t have to be overwhelming. With the right medical team, you can protect your energy, heart, and future health.
Schedule a visit with an endocrinologist in Houston, Cypress, or Webster to get a personalized plan for diabetes prevention, management, and long-term wellness.
