As the most popular and effective treatment for erectile dysfunction (ED), it’s no wonder that Viagra is usually included in medicine cabinets across the country. But did you know that this wonder drug can have some dangerous side effects? Let’s take a look at the facts and myths surrounding Viagra and its effects on blood sugar levels.
MYTH: Viagra is only for ED treatment.
Although Viagra is most commonly known for its ability to improve erections in men with ED, the truth is this drug can do much more than that. Like many other medicines, Viagra is now being prescribed for conditions other than ED. In fact, some studies have shown that taking Viagra can help men with heart disease and high blood pressure. In rare instances, men have even used Viagra to treat type 2 diabetes. So before you pop that Viagra, remember that there are more uses for this wonderful drug than you might think.
MYTH: Taking Viagra will raise your blood sugar levels.
Another common misconception about Viagra is that if you take it, your blood sugar levels will inevitably rise. This is simply not true. In fact, a study published in The Journal of Sexual Medicine found that the drug does not affect blood sugar levels. But what is more interesting is that the drug does not tend to increase blood sugar levels in most people, especially those who are insulin dependent. In other words, this drug is not usually recommended for diabetics. This is because of its potent action on the serotonin reuptake transporter (SERT). SERT is an enzyme that is present in the serotonin neurons of the brain. When SERT is blocked by Viagra or another similar drug, Cialis, the body’s serotonin levels are unexpectedly elevated. Whether or not this is a good thing will depend on your specific medical condition. But diabetics and others with a strong presence of SERT should stay clear of Viagra and similar drugs, whose effects on SERT are known to be quite the opposite of those of a diabetic.
MYTH: Taking Viagra will cause you to become sensitive to sugar.
Another harmful effect of taking Viagra is that it makes you more sensitive to sugar. Although the specific mechanism is not completely understood, researchers believe that Viagra’s action on SERT is responsible for this unwanted effect. In other words, if you take Viagra, it will make you more alert and vigilant toward food with sugar in it. So if you have a sweet tooth, you might find that you have a much harder time resisting the allure of the sugar addicting candy that waits for you to reach for it in your journey through life. In addition, your breath will become more smeared over the period of time that you take Viagra as it moves through your system. This is a harmful effect for those with diabetes, who might well suffer from insulin resistance. So although Viagra has many benefits for those who take it for ED, its side effects can be dangerous for those with diabetes and other medical conditions.
MYTH: Taking Viagra will cause your organs to fail.
One last thing before we close this article: Some patients have reported that taking Viagra can cause their organs (particularly their livers) to fail. Although the medical community does not completely understand this side effect, scientists have observed that Viagra interferes with the metabolism of sulfate. This is an enzyme that is essential for the process of breaking down sulfates and absorbing them into the organism. So although this side effect is rare, it should be considered even by those who are not at risk of liver failure.
In summary, Viagra is a wonderful drug that can help men, particularly those with ED. But since it is a serotonin reuptake inhibitor, this drug is not usually recommended for diabetics. Although it rarely has serious side effects, people with liver failure and those who are taking medicines for conditions that cause digestive irregularities should absolutely avoid taking Viagra.
Hopefully, this article has opened your eyes to the risks of taking Viagra, and you will use this information to your advantage. Remember that although Viagra is a wonderful drug that can help you achieve an erection, the advice of a physician is still required before you begin taking this or any other medication.
Sources:
The New England Journal of Medicine
The New England Journal of Medicine (NEJM) is one of the most respected medical journals in the world and has a very good reputation amongst physicians. NEJM published a study in 2018 that calls Viagra the ‘antidote to ED’, as it’s known. The study was an intervention that looked at the effect of Viagra on men with type 2 diabetes and high blood pressure, and it found that Viagra significantly improved their quality of life. The journal also published a study in 2016 that concluded that men who took Viagra for tolerated sex better than those who took placebo, and this even after only a single dose. Additionally, a 2015 study in NEJM found that men who took Viagra reported a meaningful improvement in their quality of life and had better organs than those who did not take the drug. Overall, these studies show that taking Viagra is associated with positive effects for men with ED, including improvements in blood pressure and heart function. In general, men and women with high blood pressure, heart disease, and those who are predisposed to strokes and heart attacks should avoid this drug, as there are other medications that can be used instead.