Diabetes mellitus: A
cause of Impotence
Erectile dysfunction tends to
develop 10-15 years earlier in diabetic men than among non-diabetic men. In a
population study of men with type I diabetes for more than 10 years, erectile
dysfunction was reported by 55% of men between the ages of 50 to 60 years. The
increased risk of erectile dysfunction among men with diabetes mellitus may be
due to the earlier onset and greater severity of atherosclerosis that narrows
the arteries and thereby reduces the delivery of blood to the penis. When
insufficient blood is delivered to the penis, it is not possible to achieve an
erection.
Diabetes mellitus also causes erectile dysfunction by damaging
both sensory and autonomic nerves, a condition called diabetic neuropathy.
Smoking cigarettes, obesity, poor control of blood glucose levels, and having diabetes mellitus for a long time
further increases the risk of erectile dysfunction in diabetes. In addition to
atherosclerosis and/or neuropathy causing ED in diabetes, many diabetic men
develop a myopathy (muscle disease) as their cause of
ED in which the compliance of the muscle in the corpora cavernosa is decreased and clinically this presents as an
inability to maintain the erection.
Diabetes mellitus and
its treatments
Diabetes is a metabolic disorder where in human body does not
produce or properly uses insulin, a hormone that is required to convert
sugar, starches, and other food into energy. Diabetes
mellitus is characterized by constant high levels of blood
glucose (sugar). Human body has to maintain the blood glucose level at a very
narrow range, which is done with insulin and glucagon. The function of glucagon
is to release glucose from the liver to the blood stream so that, it can be
transported to body tissues and cells for the production of energy.
There
are three main types of diabetes:
·
Type 1 diabetes
·
Type 2 diabetes
·
Gestational diabetes
Type 1 and Type 2 diabetes
impede a person’s carefree life. When breakdown of glucose is
stopped completely, body uses fat and protein for producing the energy. Due to
this mechanism symptoms like polydipsia, polyuria, polyphegia, and
excessive weightloss can be observed in a diabetic.
Desired blood sugar of human body should be maintained between 70 mg/dl -110
mg/dl at fasting state. If blood sugar is less than 70 mg/dl, it is termed as
hypoglycemia and if more than 110 mg /dl, it’s
hyperglycemia.
Diabetes is the primary reason for adult
blindness, end-stage renal disease (ESRD), gangrene and amputations. Overweight,
lack of exercise, family history and stress increases the likelihood of
developing diabetes. When blood sugar level is constantly high it leads to
kidney failure, cardiovascular problems and neuropathy. Patients with diabetes
are 4 times more likely to have coronary heart disease and stroke. In addition,
Gestational diabetes is more dangerous for pregnant women and
their fetus.
Having complete diabetes
information is very essential as, Diabetes
mellitus is not completely curable but can be managed successfully. The
control of diabetes mostly depends on the patient and it is his/her
responsibility to take care of their diet, exercise and medication. Advances in
diabetes research have led to better ways of controlling diabetes and treating
its complications. Hence it includes:-
·
New improved Insulin and its therapy, (external
and implantable insulin pumps) have advanced well to manage elevated
blood sugars without any allergic reactions.
·
Oral hypoglycemic drugs, controls diabetes
type 2.
·
New improved blood glucose monitors (new device for self blood glucose
monitoring), and hemoglobin A1c laboratory test to
measure blood glucose control during previous 3 months.
·
Effective availability of the treatments for affected body organs due to
diabetes.
·
Better ways to manage health of the mother and the fetus
during the gestational diabetes phase.
A Youthful Approach to the Fight Against Diabetes
(NC)-The desire to be thinner can lead to
extreme weight control behaviour in girls
and young women. Girls with type I
diabetes mellitus (DM) appear to be at risk for disturbed eating. Dr.
Gary M. Rodin, and colleagues at the
about eating
disturbances in this group and identify risk factors for early warning signs in
order to design an intervention to prevent the development of eating
disturbances in a younger group.
Dr. Rodin's research is being funded by the
Canadian Institutes of Health Research (CIHR). CIHR is
A Strict schedule for Diabetes
The goal of
every diabetic is to live a long and livable life. It is more important for the
parents of small children with diabetes. As long as they manage their blood
sugar, they can enjoy their life. It is not different for diabetics to display
sudden mood swings. One minute they are so active, and in next moment they are
whinny. So why take a risk, check your blood sugar. It really helps you to stop
a litany of health related issues in the future, and does not hurt you.
To maintain a diabetic's daily routine, the best thing is to know the
content of carbohydrate in the food. As the higher the carbohydrate is, more
amount of insulin will be needed. Humalog insulins are of immense use for diabetics. It offers
diabetics usefulness, control and flexibility. Its quick action acts much like
your body insulin in case of those who have diabetes. Humalog starts working quickly
within minutes to lower your blood sugar. Due to Humalog's efficacy, you can carry on your normal life
without following a strict schedule. Treatment of diabetes should be availed by
any cost to make our body ailment free. Diabetes
at times can result in heart ailments, feat, problems with eyes and other
organs. So be a good diabetic and you'll be able to live a long and normal life.
Follow all the instructions of your doctor and test frequently to avoid any
medical complications pertaining to diabetes in the near future