Diabetes and Erectile Dysfuction - Essay Example

Topic:  Diabetes and Erectile Dysfunction Definition of Diabetes Diabetes is the 7th leading cause of mortality among Americans. Over 15 million ofAmericans suffer from this disease. Diabetes is defined as a chronic disease that is caused by pancreas’ inability to produce insulin or the inability of the pancreas to use insulin in the proper way (HealthCentralNetwork, 2008). What is type I Diabetes? Type I Diabetes, otherwise known as insulin – dependent diabetes or formerly known as juvenile – onset diabetes, usually affects before a person reaches 20 years of age. This type affects people with diabetes in about 10 percent. The pancreas in this type of diabetes almost makes no insulin (HealthCentralNetwork, 2008). What is type II Diabetes? Type II diabetes, otherwise known as non – insulin dependent diabetes was previously known as adult onset diabetes. It was noted that in the past, this type of diabetes was discovered after 40 years old; however, the levels of obesity that is increasing and the lifestyle that is sedentary contributes to the development of diabetes. Type II diabetes can also be found more in adolescence and even in children who are less than 10 years old. Hence, the “adult onset” is used no more (HealthCentralNetwork, 2008). This type of diabetes comprises about 90 percent of all diabetes cases. On this type of diabetes, the pancreas either produces insulin in a reduced amount or do not respond to insulin, or can be caused by both. What is gestational diabetes? This type of diabetes belongs to the less common type of diabetes and occurs during pregnancy (HealthCentralNetwork, 2008). Gestational diabetes causes higher glucose level reading than normal. Signs and symptoms of diabetes (HealthCentralNetwork, 2008): Type I: Polyuria, increased thirst, extreme hunger, unexplained loss of weight, extreme fatigue, blurring of vision, irritability, nausea and vomiting. Type II: Any symptoms present in type I diabetes, plus the following: unexplained gain of weight, pain, cramping, tingling or numbness in your feet, unusual drowsiness, frequent infections in the vagina or skin, dry, itchy skin and sores that are healing slowly. Risk Factors of Diabetes Type I diabetes Type I diabetes is based genetically and is coupled with abnormal response of the immune system. Type II diabetes Type II diabetes has unknown cause; however, experts in medicine believe that type II diabetes has a genetic component. The following are the factors that are believed to be the risk for diabetes (HealthCentralNetwork, 2008): (1) Sedentary lifestyle (2) Obesity (weighing 20 percent above a healthy body weight) (3) Advanced age (4) Diet that are unhealthy (5) Positive family history of diabetes (6) Improper pancreas functioning (7) Minority race (the risk for diabetes is noted to be higher in Black, Hispanic, American Indian, westernized Asian and native Hawaiian populations) (8) Medication (such as cortisone and some high blood pressure drugs) (9) Women who give births to a baby that weighs more than 9 lbs. (10) Gestational diabetes that is diagnosed previously (11) Previously diagnosed IGT Complications of Diabetes The following are the complications for diabetes (Canadian Diabetes Association): (1) Depression (2) Cardiovascular disease and stroke (3) Problems in gastrointestinal tract (4) Problems in the skin (5) Loss of vision (e.g. diabetic retinopathy) (6) Erectile dysfunction Define erectile dysfunction Erectile dysfunction (ED) is defined by Canadian Diabetes Association as an inability to have or maintain an erection persistently that is considered satisfactory for sexual activity (Canadian Diabetes Association, 2008). Canadian Diabetes Association states that majority of men experiences problems in erection during their life; nevertheless, when this problem lasts more that three months, the condition can be defined clinically as erectile dysfunction. ED usually affects diabetic men. The first sign leading to the diagnosis of diabetes is ED in up to 12% of men. Within 10 years of diagnosis of diabetes, 50% of men experiences ED. Diabetes causes blood vessel wall damage affecting penile circulation and blood flow. Moreover, the side effects of drugs prescribed to men with diabetes leads to ED (Canadian Diabetes Association, 2008). Signs and symptoms The hallmark of erectile dysfunction is the inability to maintain sufficient erection enough to have a sexual intercourse of at least 25% of the time (UCSF Medical Center, 2008). Treatment for erectile dysfunction: In treating ED, it is necessary that both sexual partners must be involved with the discussion in the treatment of choice (Canadian Diabetes Association, 2008). In order to achieve and maintain erection, the following drugs are used in Canada, these are: Viagra, Cialis, and Levitra). But these drugs are contraindicated since they are not safe to use in men who have certain heart conditions and are taking nitrates. Hence, other options for these men are “drugs, injections, hormone replacement, and mechanical devices such as vacuum constriction devices, implants and surgery.” Canadian Diabetes Association also advised to treat the underlying cause for diabetes. Steps for (male) testicular self exam Dowshen (2005) are the steps to perform testicular self examination (TSE): (1) The best time to do testicular self – exam must be during or right after hot bath or shower since during this time, scrotum is relaxed making it easier to examine the testicles. (2) Gently roll each testicle by placing the thumb over the testicle with slight pressure using the fingers and roll the testicles between the fingers. (3) In doing so, the epididymis must be felt. This feels soft, rope – like and slightly tender to pressure. This must be noted as a normal lump. (4) Lumps in the testicles are identified as small as one piece of rice or pea. (5) Any swelling, lumps, or size and color changes in the testicle must be reported to the physician right away. References Dowshen, S. (2005). How to Perform Testicular Self – examination. Retrieved April 27, 2008 from http://kidshealth.org/teen/sexual_health/guys/tse.html (2007). Male Sexual Function. Retrieved April 25, 2008 from http://www.ucsfhealth.org/adult/medical_services/urology/male_sexual/conditions/edysfunction/signs.html (2008). Erectile Dysfunction. Retrieved April 27, 2008 from, http://www.mayoclinic.com/health/erectile-dysfunction/DS00162/DSECTION=2 (2008). Diabetes. Retrieved April 24, 2008, from Canadian Diabetes Association, http://www.diabetes.ca/Section_About/FactsIndex.asp (2008). Diabetes. Retrieved April 26, 2008 from http://www.healthscout.com/ency/322/150/main.html Read More