Diabetes-Related Erectile Dysfunction - Essay Example

DIABETES RELATED ERECTILE DYSFUNCTION Institute Diabetes Related Erectile Dysfunction Diabetes is an endocrine disorder which has become very prevalent in today’s world. It is a major debilitating health issue which is considered to be a silent killer disease. Diabetes is classified as a syndrome because it not only affects a single organ but it slowly and progressively alters the metabolism of the entire body and can affect normal bodily functions. Though this disease has a major role in increasing the blood glucose levels but it also modifies the functioning of the major organs of the body (Kumar et al 2005). Erectile dysfunction is also one of the major outcomes of diabetes which affects the males who suffer from this condition. The proportion of this condition in sufferers can range to as high as 75 percent. If compared to non diabetic males, the diabetic male has a very high susceptibility of having erectile dysfunction and almost a decade before the non diabetics might suffer from it. Also with increasing age, the risk for developing erectile dysfunction increases (Diabetes.co.uk). Diabetes mellitus is a condition which affects many important structures in the body which include the nerves, muscles as well as the vessels. These factors link to this erectile dysfunction in the diabetics in one way or another. Normal hormonal levels of testosterone are essential for penile erection. This is because it is considered that the androgens in the male have a role to play in the synthesis of nitric oxide which is a very important factor to increase the flow of blood to the muscles in the penis. Nitric oxide through various second messengers completes this function. Lack of androgen or low levels have been found in diabetic patients which can be associated with erectile dysfunction. Another source for this nitric oxide is the endothelial lining of blood vessels as well as the neurons. In diabetics the vessels as well as the neurons are affected in the patients that lead to reduced production of nitric oxide. Also other metabolic pathways and products are formed which hinder the normal synthesis of nitric oxide. The blood supply to the smooth muscles of the penis is affected and hence this also results in erectile dysfunction in diabetics. Uncontrolled diabetes can affect this function even more because continuous raised levels of glucose alter the normal responses of contraction of the muscles. It is also seen that a patient may have normal hormones and the urge for engaging in sexual activity but the improper blood and neuronal supply can result in erectile dysfunction. There are other factors which also put men at greater risk of developing erectile dysfunction in diabetes. These include a sedentary lifestyle and unhealthy practices which include obesity and decreased physical exercise. Cigarette smoking and certain medications which include medicines to treat depressions can also result in this problem. Not only an intact physical system is essential for proper health but healthy psychological functioning is also essential and it has been found that in cases of patients who suffer from psychological conditions which include depression and anxiety, there is a probability of developing erectile dysfunction (Penson & Wessels 2004; Finkel et al 2010). Further studies and research has also nominated the fact that the alterations in the levels of normal proteins are seen in diabetics and this can also be associated with erectile dysfunction (Diabetes.co.uk 2010). The treatment for the condition varies with the patients. The hormonal levels of the patients should be checked for any alterations and to be aware with the levels of androgen present in the body. If it is the lack of hormones which has resulted in the condition, androgen treatment should be prescribed for the patient. The levels of blood sugar should also be checked. This is because a high blood glucose level that is hyperglycaemia has also been associated with erectile dysfunction. Thus the patients should be prescribed medicines to control the blood glucose levels. The other risk factors for the erectile dysfunction which include increased weight and other habits like smoking should be analyzed and the patients should be made aware that he needs to cope up with these problems as they are associated directly with the condition. Hence, the patients require proper counselling and awareness with regard to his condition (Dey & Shepherd 2002). A very common treatment which is prescribed for this condition is PDE-5 inhibitors. These include sildenafil, tadfinil and vardenafil. An enzyme in the smooth muscles in the penis is known as PDE. It is the function of this enzyme to breakdown a second messenger and hence regulates the effect of nitric oxide and leads to relaxation. The PDE-5 inhibitors are directed against these enzymes and thus result in prolonging the activity of nitric oxide and enhancing it which is essential for the diabetic patient. All three of these drugs have reported side effects and hence they need to prescribe with utmost care. Gastric and nasal problems are associated with these drugs. Sildenafil has an effect on vision and it has been reported to alter the colour visualization of a person. A very important side effect of these drugs is the impact that they can have on the cardiovascular functioning of the individuals. It is hence essential that this drug should never be prescribed to patients suffering from cardiovascular conditions (Finkel et al 2009; Department of Health 1998). Vacuum constriction devices are other forms of treatment which can also be used. The function of these devices is basically to increase the vascular supply to the penile tissues and also to increase the time duration of erection. Prostaglandin suppositories are also prescribed and they also possess the function of basically increasing the blood supply and it has its own side effects which include bleeding and irritation in the urethra. Thus different forms of treatments are available for this condition. The physical condition of the patients and the history of the patients are all essential before analyzing the most appropriate therapy (Dey & Shepherd 2002). Diabetes mellitus is a condition which affects many of the systems of the body and the male genital system is one of them. It can result in erectile dysfunction in men due to causes which may be hormonal, neuronal or vascular. Many forms of therapies area available and patients are described these therapies according to their requirements, References DEPARMENT OF HEALTH (1998) The use of viagra (sildenafil) in the treatment of impotence (erectile dysfunction) : Advice from the Standing Medical Advisory Committee (SMAC), November 1998. Department of Health. Top of Form Top of Form DEY, J., & SHEPHERD, M. D. (2002). Evaluation and Treatment of Erectile Dysfunction in Men With Diabetes Mellitus. MAYO CLINIC PROCEEDINGS. 77, 276-282. DIABETES.CO.UK.(2010) Diabetes-related Erectile Dysfunction targets identified. DIABETES.CO.UK.. Diabetes and Erectile Dysfunction Bottom of Form Bottom of Form Top of Form Top of Form FINKEL, R., CLARK, M. A., & CUBEDDU, L. X. (2009).Pharmacology. Philadelphia, Lippincott Williams & Wilkins. Bottom of Form Bottom of Form KUMAR, V., ABBAS, A. K., FAUSTO, N., ROBBINS, S. L., & COTRAN, R. S. (2005). Robbins and Cotran pathologic basis of disease. Philadelphia, Elsevier Saunders. Top of Form PENSON, D. F., & WESSELLS, H. (2004). Erectile Dysfunction in Diabetic Patients. Diabetes Spectrum : a Publication of the American Diabetes Association. 17, 225-231. Bottom of Form Read More