Along with the many problems diabetes can cause, men may experience impotence and other sexual dysfunction. In addition to medications already offered, researchers are now looking to gene therapy for a solution.

The experimental treatment temporarily repairs damage caused by the disease that leads to erectile dysfunction in 70% of diabetic men, many of whom do not benefit from drugs such as Viagra (sildenafil).

Tests conducted on rats bred to develop a diabetes-like condition showed the gene therapy boosted their ability to achieve erections for one month following treatment.

Of course, people are not rats, but researchers remain hopeful for human trials.

(Photo Source: Bevan-Thomas)