Diabetes is a chronic metabolic condition that affects how the body processes blood sugar, and its consequences reach far beyond glucose control. In men, diabetes has been linked to several complications, including cardiovascular disease, nerve damage, kidney problems, and notably, urologic issues. One of the less commonly discussed connections is how diabetes influences prostate health. At 1Prostate Center in Manhattan and Queens, Dr. David Shusterman addresses this intersection, helping patients navigate the dual challenges of diabetes and prostate-related conditions.
For men living with diabetes, managing prostate health becomes especially important. Research has shown that diabetes can increase the risk of urinary problems, contribute to the development or progression of benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH), and affect prostate cancer outcomes. Additionally, diabetes-related nerve and vascular damage can impair bladder function, exacerbate urinary incontinence, and lead to erectile dysfunction. Men looking for a comprehensive approach to care—including prostate cancer treatment in Midtown Manhattan—will find that a proactive plan is key to maintaining long-term health and quality of life.
The Relationship Between Diabetes and BPH
Benign prostatic hyperplasia is one of the most common urologic conditions in aging men. It involves the non-cancerous enlargement of the prostate gland, which can compress the urethra and disrupt urinary flow. Symptoms may include frequent urination, urgency, difficulty starting urination, weak stream, and nighttime urination. Studies have found that men with diabetes are significantly more likely to develop BPH and are more likely to experience severe urinary symptoms than non-diabetic men.
One reason for this connection is that diabetes contributes to insulin resistance and elevated insulin levels, which can stimulate prostate tissue growth. Additionally, chronic inflammation—often present in diabetes—may also promote prostate enlargement. At 1Prostate Center, Dr. Shusterman provides advanced enlarged prostate treatment in Midtown Manhattan, including options like UroLift and Rezum that can alleviate symptoms with minimal disruption to daily life. He also tailors treatment plans to the needs of diabetic patients, considering potential interactions with other medications and the impact of blood sugar control on healing and recovery.
Understanding this relationship allows patients to take preventive steps early. For diabetic men experiencing urinary changes, timely evaluation by a urology doctor in NYC can help prevent complications and improve comfort and function.
Diabetes and Increased Urinary Dysfunction
Diabetes is a leading cause of neurogenic bladder, a condition in which nerve damage affects bladder control. Over time, elevated blood sugar levels can damage the nerves responsible for signaling the bladder when it’s time to empty. This can result in incomplete bladder emptying, frequent urinary tract infections, and even urine retention. Combined with BPH, this nerve damage can intensify urinary symptoms and increase the risk of complications like kidney stones and incontinence.
At 1Prostate Center, patients experiencing these symptoms are thoroughly evaluated to determine the root cause. For those seeking kidney stones treatment or urinary incontinence treatment in Midtown Manhattan, Dr. Shusterman offers both diagnostic testing and a full spectrum of therapies that account for the presence of diabetes. This includes non-invasive imaging, bladder scans, and urodynamic studies to assess how well the bladder and urethra are functioning.
Treatment often involves managing fluid intake, adjusting medications, and sometimes incorporating pelvic floor therapy or minimally invasive interventions. Since nerve damage from diabetes is often irreversible, early detection and management are critical to preserving bladder and kidney health.
Erectile Dysfunction, Diabetes, and the Prostate
Erectile dysfunction is another common concern among diabetic men. It can be caused by vascular damage, impaired blood flow, and nerve injury—factors all influenced by poorly controlled blood sugar. While ED may not be caused directly by prostate issues, men with both diabetes and prostate conditions often experience overlapping symptoms and compounding effects. For instance, medications used for BPH may worsen ED, while the psychological toll of sexual dysfunction can increase stress and worsen blood sugar control.
At 1Prostate Center, Dr. Shusterman addresses erectile dysfunction with a holistic and personalized approach. As a leading provider of erectile dysfunction treatment in Midtown Manhattan, he evaluates all contributing factors—hormonal, vascular, neurologic, and psychological—and creates a treatment plan that may include lifestyle changes, oral medications, injectable therapies, or devices. By managing ED alongside diabetes and prostate health, patients can improve not only their physical health but also their confidence and relationships.
Many men hesitate to talk about sexual or urinary issues, assuming they are inevitable parts of aging. But with expert care and integrated treatment, these conditions are highly manageable. Dr. Shusterman’s experience at the intersection of endocrinology and urology makes 1Prostate Center a trusted resource for men seeking comprehensive care in New York City.
Why Integrated Care Is Essential
Men living with diabetes often juggle multiple medications and specialists, which can create confusion or lead to gaps in care. That’s why integrated treatment from a urology clinic in NYC that understands the complexities of both metabolic and urologic health is so valuable. At 1Prostate Center, patients receive seamless care under one roof, including preventive screenings, symptom management, and advanced treatments for everything from BPH and prostate cancer to urinary incontinence and erectile dysfunction.
Dr. Shusterman also emphasizes the importance of collaboration with primary care providers and endocrinologists to ensure all aspects of a patient’s health are coordinated. For diabetic men with a family history of prostate cancer or other risk factors, routine prostate screening becomes even more important. As one of the best urologists for prostate cancer in Midtown Manhattan, Dr. Shusterman uses precision testing and modern imaging to detect issues early—when they are most treatable.
Patients who are managing both diabetes and urologic symptoms should not have to navigate this path alone. With the right guidance and medical expertise, it’s possible to reduce symptoms, avoid complications, and lead a healthy, active life.
Take Control of Your Prostate Health
Living with diabetes requires a proactive approach to health, and prostate care is no exception. Men with diabetes face a higher risk of developing urinary symptoms, prostate enlargement, and erectile dysfunction—but early evaluation and expert treatment can make a profound difference. At 1Prostate Center in Manhattan and Queens, Dr. David Shusterman offers the specialized care needed to address these overlapping concerns and improve quality of life.
Whether you’re noticing changes in urinary patterns, experiencing sexual dysfunction, or seeking routine prostate screening, don’t wait to take action. With advanced diagnostics, minimally invasive procedures, and personalized care plans, 1Prostate Center delivers results-driven urology services in a welcoming, patient-centered environment.
Schedule a consultation today with a top-rated urology doctor in NYC and take the next step toward better health and peace of mind.
Resources
Sarma, A. V., et al. (2009). Diabetes and Lower Urinary Tract Symptoms in Men: Results from the NHANES Survey. Journal of Urology.
Krieger, J. N., et al. (2008). The Relationship Between Diabetes and Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia. Urology.
Feldman, H. A., et al. (1994). Impotence and Its Medical and Psychosocial Correlates: Results of the Massachusetts Male Aging Study. Journal of Urology.
