What Causes Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia?

Heart Disease And Diabetes

Two major diseases have a relationship with benign prostatic hyperplasia: heart disease and diabetes. While heart disease does not cause BPH, the same risk factors for heart disease like diabetes, high blood pressure, and obesity are also linked to benign prostatic hyperplasia, and heart disease can increase the risk of developing an enlarged prostate. Men with coronary artery disease often have symptoms of an enlarged prostate as well.

Diabetes is also a risk factor for an enlarged prostate as well as obesity, which can go hand-in-hand with type 2 diabetes. The higher a man's body mass index (BMI), the higher the risk of developing an enlarged prostate. Having diabetes also raises the risk of benign prostatic hyperplasia and may be one of the causes of the condition. One study found obesity, insulin resistance, and high glucose levels, all components of diabetes, can speed the progression of BPH. There may also be a link between benign prostatic hyperplasia and elevated insulin levels which work to trap blood sugar and move it into cells which can stimulate cell growth.