New Delhi, Aug 24 (IANS): Diabetes is becoming a major reason for infertility among males, doctors have said.

They said that may it be Type 1 or Type 2 diabetes, in both the conditions, insulin producing cells in the body get damaged and cause health complications including infertility.

"As the problems of diabetes increase, it damages the nerves of the reproductive system. Cases have proved that diabetes is causing erectile dysfunction among men. High levels of blood glucose, blood pressure and cholesterol, all clubbed together only aggravates the problem of getting a proper erection in men," said Kshitiz Murdia, a fertility expert at Indira Infertility Clinic and Test Tube Baby.

He said the problem of nerve damage can also be extended to retarded ejaculation, when nerves in the penis get damaged.

"The nerve damage from diabetes can also lead to a condition where the nerves are unable to control the bladder," said Murdia, adding that diabetes in men can lead to DNA damage in their sperm, thus seriously hampering the chances of impregnating the partner, or reducing the chances of live birth and even healthy, normal foetus.

A recent study says nearly half of Indian men above the age of 40 years suffering from erectile dysfunction are diabetic.

Talking about the treatment procedure, Arvind Vaid, a Delhi-based IVF specialist, said: "Reducing the dependence on alcohol and quitting smoking are some of the factors to reduce erectile dysfunction."

"Retarded ejaculation is also associated with certain psychological problems. It is advisable to seek proper clinical counselling, or psychosexual therapy to reduce this burden," said Vaid.

Sugar intake also needs to be monitored among men, if they are addicted to sweets, he said.

"Proper consultations with the doctors is a must and the required test should be performed almost every two months to know, if diabetes has caused any other problems in the body," said Vaid.