Sexual and Urologic problems in patients with Type 1 Diabetes - Essay Example

It occurs due to a combination of peripheral resistance to insulin action and an inadequate secretory response by the beta cells. Both types of diabetes are associated with similar complications. However, since the onset of hyperglycemia earlier in type- 1 diabetes, complications are more severe and occur at a much early age than those with diabetes type-2. Diabetes results in several complications, the most important of which are neuropathy, nephropathy and retinopathy. There are several other complications which impact the quality of life like sexual and urologic complications.

Sexual and urologic problems are common in diabetes population because of the damage to blood vessels and nerves. In this essay, sexual and urologic complications in diabetes, especially diabetes type-1 will be discussed. Insulin is an essential anabolic hormone secreted by the beta cells of the islets of Langerhans. It is essential for the metabolism of carbohydrates, proteins and fats (Lamb, 2009). The hormone helps entry of the glucose into muscles by stimulating the conversion of glucose to glycogen and by inhibiting liver gluconeogenesis.

It also slows the breakdown of fat and protein. In type-1 diabetes, there is either absence, destruction or loss of beta cells leading to inadequate insulin production. This causes uninhibited gluconeogenesis and at the same time decreases the use and storage of glucose, resulting in hyperglycemia. Beyond a certain limit, kidneys fail to absorb glucose resulting in glycosuria, osmotic diuresis, dehydration and thirst. The protein and fat breakdown also increase causing increased ketone production and weight loss.

Without appropriate insulin supplementation and management, individuals with diabetic ketoacidosis lose weight continuously and eventually succumb to diabetic ketoacidosis (Lamb, 2009). Diabetes type-1 is associated with