A review shows that three phosphodiesterase type 5 (PDE-5) inhibitors improve erectile function in patients with diabetes.

Roughly half of men with diabetes have at least one episode of erectile dysfunction. A Cochrane review of eight randomized, controlled trials shows that, compared with placebo, three phosphodiesterase type 5 (PDE-5) inhibitors&-sildenafil (Viagra), vardenafil (Levitra), and tadalafil (Cialis)&-improved erectile dysfunction in men with diabetes. (Among all studies, 80% of participants had type 2 diabetes mellitus and 20% had type 1). Headache and flushing were the most frequently reported adverse effects, but they were rare enough to be considered clinically insignificant. One trial reported cardiovascular adverse events in 7% of the treatment group. No trials compared the three medications with each other. Five trials were sponsored by the maker of the drug being tested.

The crux of the matter. The findings of this review suggest that PDE-5 inhibitors are effective and safe in patients with diabetes and erectile dysfunction.