Awareness, Education, 防止ion
November is National 糖尿病 Awareness Month. As we aim to raise awareness about 糖尿病, we encourage our patients re maintain a health and active lifestyle. As men's health specialists, we are also here to raise awareness of 糖尿病 and male infertility. Many men do not know that erectile dysfunction (ED) is a symptom of 糖尿病.
You can prevent many cases of 糖尿病 and its complications by a nutritious diet, regular physical activity, maintaining a healthy body weight, and avoiding tobacco use.
糖尿病 is a serious condition. Type 1 糖尿病, which can develop at any age, occurs when your body does not produce insulin. Insulin is a hormone that helps your body digest glucose (sugar). Type 2 糖尿病 is a chronic condition. The body struggles with processing glucose and does not produce enough insulin or resists insulin.
Key Facts About 糖尿病
- 30 million Americans have 糖尿病.
- One in three American adults have pre糖尿病.
- 糖尿病 can cause blindness, loss of your hands or feet (amputation), erectile dysfunction, hormone dysfunction, and kidney failure.
- 糖尿病 greatly increases the risk of heart disease.
- People with 糖尿病 can live long and healthy lives when their 糖尿病 is well managed.
- Type 2 糖尿病 can often be prevented.
防止ion is Key
Making a few lifestyle changes can help you avoid the serious health complications that can occur with 糖尿病.
Stay Physically Active - Exercise helps maintain a healthy weight. It can also lower blood sugar levels.
Eat a Healthy Diet - Foods high in fiber, such as vegetables, beans and whole grains, can lower your risk of 糖尿病 and heart disease.
Drink More Water - Stick with water as your main beverage. Avoid soda and other sugary drinks.
Quit Smoking - Smoking not only increases the risk of 糖尿病 but can lead to other serious health conditions, such as heart disease and cancer.
糖尿病 and Sexual Dysfunction
As men's health specialists, we see many patients with 糖尿病. While many men do not realize that 糖尿病 is contributing to their erectile problems, 66 percent of men with 糖尿病 have erectile dysfunction. In fact, half of all men with 糖尿病 will experience ED within 10 years of their diagnosis.
High blood sugar levels can damage the nerves that control sexual stimulation. They can also damage blood vessels. These blood vessels are necessary to provide enough blood flow to the penis to achieve and maintain an erection.
Many patients are not aware that ED can be a symptom of 糖尿病. We frequently see men come to us for ED and end up being diagnosed with 糖尿病. We can see this after we run blood work.
糖尿病 can also result in low testosterone levels. If you have low testosterone, you can have a drop in sex drive. Low testosterone can also lead to erectile dysfunction and other issues. These issues could be a decrease in bone density and potentially cardiovascular disease.
Learn about the treatment for erectile dysfunction.
糖尿病 & Infertility
糖尿病 can also impact a man's fertility. The damaged nerves that 糖尿病 can cause can lead to conditions like retrograde ejaculation and anejaculation, where the semen does not come out the right direction.
We may also see abnormally low sperm count or mobility in men who don't manage their 糖尿病. If you are having difficulty conceiving, make an appointment with a urologist specially trained in male fertility.
防止 & Treat Your 糖尿病
Also, consider that 糖尿病 can affect men's health. Contact us for an appointment if you have any questions. We are always happy to help.