Diabetes and menDiabetes is known to affect how your body uses the blood glucose. Men with Diabetes have their set of unique complications which slowly affects the quality of their life. In this article we seek to identify those complications. This will help you recognise them at the outset and seek medical help in time. Prostate problemsThe prostrate is a walnut shaped gland; a part of the male reproductive system that wraps around the male urethra near the bladder. Prostrate problems are common in men after age 50 as it grows larger as you get older. Enlarged prostate can cause a number of health issues.Benign prostate enlargement - One in three men over 50 have an enlarged prostate. Why this happens is not known but its symptoms can hamper the quality of life. The good news is that it is not caused by cancer. Symptoms of enlarged prostate may include:. A weak or slow urinary stream. A feeling of incomplete bladder emptying. Difficulty starting urination. Frequent urination during day and nightIt is important to consult your doctor if you have any of these symptoms as early treatment can help timely management.Skin problemsThrush is a yeast (fungal) infection. Thrush can occur in the mouth, throat, on the skin or on the genitals. High blood glucose levels (or Diabetes) encourage the growth of fungus. Men with Diabetes tend to sweat more which creates a perfect breeding environment for the fungus. Male yeast infection leads to an inflammation of the tip of the penis. Symptoms of male yeast infection include:. redness, itching, pain, irritation and burning in the genital area. white discharge from the site of the infection resembling cottage cheese. an unpleasant smellThe infection usually begins with as a redand itchy rash. Small red spots may also develop. It is best to see a doctor for a diagnosis if you suspect thrush..DepressionThe American Psychiatric Association explains 'depression as a common and serious medical illness that negatively affects the way you feel, think and act. Depression causes feelings of sadness and/or a loss of interest in activities once enjoyed. It can lead to a variety of emotional and physical problems and can decrease a person's ability to function at work and at home'.Symptoms. Feeling sad or depressed. Loss of interest in daily activities. Unexplained weight loss or gain. Disturbed sleep patterns. Loss of energy. Feeling worthless or guilty. Difficulty paying attention or concentrating. Thoughts about death or suicide Diabetes and depressionSome studies show that Diabetes doubles the risk of developing depression. If Diabetes-related complications emerge then the risk for depression can increase even further. People with Diabetes who have depression have many common risk factors like increased inflammation, decreased insulin sensitivity, autonomic nervous system dysregulation, obesity and heart disease.Depression in people with Diabetes is also associated with poor self-care, non- adherence to treatment regimens and adverse psychobiological changes.A study published in the journal Psychosomatic Medicine concludes that depression needs to be confronted because people who battle depression and Diabetes together tend to suffer more from diabetic complications. .Treating DepressionMedication, psychotherapy, cognitive behavioural therapy is recommended to tackle depression. The first step of seeking help for depression is to accept it. Physical activity or team sports can help lift depression. Meditation may also help reduce the risk of onset of depression.Sex related problemsSexual dysfunction is common in people with Diabetes but is rarely discussed. Lack of blood sugar control causes damage to the blood vessels and nervous system. This leads to lowered blood circulation and loss of touch in sexual organs. As a result, affected men may have difficulty maintaining an erection.Men with Diabetes who suffer from sexual dysfunction may have one or more of following issues:. Decreased erection and difficulty in penetration. Longer time to achieve erection. Loosing erection in between coital activity. Reduced night time and early morning erection. No erection at all. Premature ejaculation. Pain during erection .The risk factors for erectile dysfunction (ED) include obesity, smoking, Diabetes, high blood pressure, high cholesterol, heart disease, medication use and sleep disorder. Psychological factors such as stress, anxiety, depression, low self-esteem, guilt and fear of sexual failure could also cause ED. Certain medications like anti- depressants, tranquilizers, anti-histamines and anti-hypertension could result in ED.The incidence of erectile dysfunction is three times higher in men with Diabetes. 50-75 per cent of men with Diabetes suffer from ED. The presence of ED is associated with more than 14 times higher risk for silent heart attack, higher risk of death dueto heart disease in men with Diabetes. Early detection of ED is crucial to lower your risk of a heart attack. In men who have ED with Diabetes, it is very important to control Diabetes. Better managing the blood sugar levels can help improve nerve condition and blood supply. Prior to taking medication for ED, one should do a complete evaluation for Diabetes and related complications especially heart-related because ED and heart disease share many risk factors. In some cases, ED is an early sign of the succeeding heart disease.Lifestyle modification, medication, psychosexual therapy or often times testosterone replacement could help treat ED. Seeking counselling is also necessary. Sexual dysfunction related problems may not only be physical problems but could also be associated with low self-esteem, embarrassment and guilt. Psychiatrists, psychologists and sexologists are involved in treating sexual dysfunction along with physicians and andrologists. Urinary tract infectionsUrinary tract Infections or UTI is an infection involving the urinary tract which consists of the kidneys, ureters (i.e. tubes that connect the kidneys and the urinary bladder), urinary bladder and urethra (i.e. tube running from the bladder to the outside). UTIs can occur in any part of the urinary tract. Most infections involve the lower urinary tract, the bladder and the urethra. Most UTIs are caused by bacteria. They typically occur when bacteria enter the urinary tract through the urethra, multiply in the bladder and sometimes even ascend to the kidneys.Men with Diabetes are at an increased risk of UTI. Diabetes results in several abnormalities of the immune system which leads to an immune-compromised state.This might result in a higher risk of certain infections. Diabetic neuropathy causes impaired bladder emptying which increases the chances of UTI, mainly cystitis. Also, high glucose concentration in the urine may serve as a medium for growth of pathogenic microorganisms.Symptoms of UTI in the:. Urethra include a strong, persistent urge to urinate and a burning sensation or pain while urinating.. Urinary bladder include lower abdomen discomfort or pain, frequent, painful urination, blood in the urine, passing frequent and small amounts of urine. The urine may appear cloudy or malodorous and the person may have fever with or without chills.. Kidneys include upper back pain, fever with or without chills and urine that appears red, bright pink or cola- coloured - a sign of blood in the urine.Seek immediate medical help if any of these symptoms present. Medical treatment of UTI includes antibiotic medications and adequate hydration..Testosterone: why it matters!Testosterone, the male sex hormone, regulates fertility, bone and muscle mass, fat distribution and red blood cell production. The normal range in males is about 270 to 1070 ng/dL. Normally, male testosterone level peaks at about age 20 and then slowly declines.Higher than normal testosterone levels are beneficial because:. it normalises blood pressure.. it lowers the likelihood of obesity and heart attacks.Men with Type 2 Diabetes are twice as likely to have low testosterone as men who don't have Diabetes. Research has shown that low testosterone level in men is linked with increased fat deposition which could lead to insulin resistance and Type 2 Diabetes.Symptoms of low testosterone:. Reduced sexual drive or low libido. Erectile dysfunction, impotence and infertility. Changes in sleep patterns. Emotional changes such as low self- confidence, lack of motivation, depression, irritability and inability to concentrate. Increased body fat. Loss of muscle mass or hair or bone density making bones more prone to fracturesIt is important to consult your doctor if you notice any of these symptoms. A simple blood test can detect testosterone levels. Testosterone supplementation in the form of injections, patches, topical creams and gels is prescribed to increase testosterone levels. Often lifestyle changes to help weight loss and improve intake of a balanced meal are also recommended..To concludeA lot of conditions mentioned above can be managed with medication. It is important to discuss any medical issues that you face, with your doctor. This may help the doctor take timely steps to alleviate the problem. Timely medical intervention can help minimise or alleviate Diabetes related complications. Dr Prashant Bhalekar is an Intensivist.
Diabetes and menDiabetes is known to affect how your body uses the blood glucose. Men with Diabetes have their set of unique complications which slowly affects the quality of their life. In this article we seek to identify those complications. This will help you recognise them at the outset and seek medical help in time. Prostate problemsThe prostrate is a walnut shaped gland; a part of the male reproductive system that wraps around the male urethra near the bladder. Prostrate problems are common in men after age 50 as it grows larger as you get older. Enlarged prostate can cause a number of health issues.Benign prostate enlargement - One in three men over 50 have an enlarged prostate. Why this happens is not known but its symptoms can hamper the quality of life. The good news is that it is not caused by cancer. Symptoms of enlarged prostate may include:. A weak or slow urinary stream. A feeling of incomplete bladder emptying. Difficulty starting urination. Frequent urination during day and nightIt is important to consult your doctor if you have any of these symptoms as early treatment can help timely management.Skin problemsThrush is a yeast (fungal) infection. Thrush can occur in the mouth, throat, on the skin or on the genitals. High blood glucose levels (or Diabetes) encourage the growth of fungus. Men with Diabetes tend to sweat more which creates a perfect breeding environment for the fungus. Male yeast infection leads to an inflammation of the tip of the penis. Symptoms of male yeast infection include:. redness, itching, pain, irritation and burning in the genital area. white discharge from the site of the infection resembling cottage cheese. an unpleasant smellThe infection usually begins with as a redand itchy rash. Small red spots may also develop. It is best to see a doctor for a diagnosis if you suspect thrush..DepressionThe American Psychiatric Association explains 'depression as a common and serious medical illness that negatively affects the way you feel, think and act. Depression causes feelings of sadness and/or a loss of interest in activities once enjoyed. It can lead to a variety of emotional and physical problems and can decrease a person's ability to function at work and at home'.Symptoms. Feeling sad or depressed. Loss of interest in daily activities. Unexplained weight loss or gain. Disturbed sleep patterns. Loss of energy. Feeling worthless or guilty. Difficulty paying attention or concentrating. Thoughts about death or suicide Diabetes and depressionSome studies show that Diabetes doubles the risk of developing depression. If Diabetes-related complications emerge then the risk for depression can increase even further. People with Diabetes who have depression have many common risk factors like increased inflammation, decreased insulin sensitivity, autonomic nervous system dysregulation, obesity and heart disease.Depression in people with Diabetes is also associated with poor self-care, non- adherence to treatment regimens and adverse psychobiological changes.A study published in the journal Psychosomatic Medicine concludes that depression needs to be confronted because people who battle depression and Diabetes together tend to suffer more from diabetic complications. .Treating DepressionMedication, psychotherapy, cognitive behavioural therapy is recommended to tackle depression. The first step of seeking help for depression is to accept it. Physical activity or team sports can help lift depression. Meditation may also help reduce the risk of onset of depression.Sex related problemsSexual dysfunction is common in people with Diabetes but is rarely discussed. Lack of blood sugar control causes damage to the blood vessels and nervous system. This leads to lowered blood circulation and loss of touch in sexual organs. As a result, affected men may have difficulty maintaining an erection.Men with Diabetes who suffer from sexual dysfunction may have one or more of following issues:. Decreased erection and difficulty in penetration. Longer time to achieve erection. Loosing erection in between coital activity. Reduced night time and early morning erection. No erection at all. Premature ejaculation. Pain during erection .The risk factors for erectile dysfunction (ED) include obesity, smoking, Diabetes, high blood pressure, high cholesterol, heart disease, medication use and sleep disorder. Psychological factors such as stress, anxiety, depression, low self-esteem, guilt and fear of sexual failure could also cause ED. Certain medications like anti- depressants, tranquilizers, anti-histamines and anti-hypertension could result in ED.The incidence of erectile dysfunction is three times higher in men with Diabetes. 50-75 per cent of men with Diabetes suffer from ED. The presence of ED is associated with more than 14 times higher risk for silent heart attack, higher risk of death dueto heart disease in men with Diabetes. Early detection of ED is crucial to lower your risk of a heart attack. In men who have ED with Diabetes, it is very important to control Diabetes. Better managing the blood sugar levels can help improve nerve condition and blood supply. Prior to taking medication for ED, one should do a complete evaluation for Diabetes and related complications especially heart-related because ED and heart disease share many risk factors. In some cases, ED is an early sign of the succeeding heart disease.Lifestyle modification, medication, psychosexual therapy or often times testosterone replacement could help treat ED. Seeking counselling is also necessary. Sexual dysfunction related problems may not only be physical problems but could also be associated with low self-esteem, embarrassment and guilt. Psychiatrists, psychologists and sexologists are involved in treating sexual dysfunction along with physicians and andrologists. Urinary tract infectionsUrinary tract Infections or UTI is an infection involving the urinary tract which consists of the kidneys, ureters (i.e. tubes that connect the kidneys and the urinary bladder), urinary bladder and urethra (i.e. tube running from the bladder to the outside). UTIs can occur in any part of the urinary tract. Most infections involve the lower urinary tract, the bladder and the urethra. Most UTIs are caused by bacteria. They typically occur when bacteria enter the urinary tract through the urethra, multiply in the bladder and sometimes even ascend to the kidneys.Men with Diabetes are at an increased risk of UTI. Diabetes results in several abnormalities of the immune system which leads to an immune-compromised state.This might result in a higher risk of certain infections. Diabetic neuropathy causes impaired bladder emptying which increases the chances of UTI, mainly cystitis. Also, high glucose concentration in the urine may serve as a medium for growth of pathogenic microorganisms.Symptoms of UTI in the:. Urethra include a strong, persistent urge to urinate and a burning sensation or pain while urinating.. Urinary bladder include lower abdomen discomfort or pain, frequent, painful urination, blood in the urine, passing frequent and small amounts of urine. The urine may appear cloudy or malodorous and the person may have fever with or without chills.. Kidneys include upper back pain, fever with or without chills and urine that appears red, bright pink or cola- coloured - a sign of blood in the urine.Seek immediate medical help if any of these symptoms present. Medical treatment of UTI includes antibiotic medications and adequate hydration..Testosterone: why it matters!Testosterone, the male sex hormone, regulates fertility, bone and muscle mass, fat distribution and red blood cell production. The normal range in males is about 270 to 1070 ng/dL. Normally, male testosterone level peaks at about age 20 and then slowly declines.Higher than normal testosterone levels are beneficial because:. it normalises blood pressure.. it lowers the likelihood of obesity and heart attacks.Men with Type 2 Diabetes are twice as likely to have low testosterone as men who don't have Diabetes. Research has shown that low testosterone level in men is linked with increased fat deposition which could lead to insulin resistance and Type 2 Diabetes.Symptoms of low testosterone:. Reduced sexual drive or low libido. Erectile dysfunction, impotence and infertility. Changes in sleep patterns. Emotional changes such as low self- confidence, lack of motivation, depression, irritability and inability to concentrate. Increased body fat. Loss of muscle mass or hair or bone density making bones more prone to fracturesIt is important to consult your doctor if you notice any of these symptoms. A simple blood test can detect testosterone levels. Testosterone supplementation in the form of injections, patches, topical creams and gels is prescribed to increase testosterone levels. Often lifestyle changes to help weight loss and improve intake of a balanced meal are also recommended..To concludeA lot of conditions mentioned above can be managed with medication. It is important to discuss any medical issues that you face, with your doctor. This may help the doctor take timely steps to alleviate the problem. Timely medical intervention can help minimise or alleviate Diabetes related complications. Dr Prashant Bhalekar is an Intensivist.
