February diabetes updates

Once again, I am bringing you the latest updates on diabetes.

Erectile dysfunction linked to diabetes
There are many factors that can affect sexual function. Certain metabolic diseases, for example. Several research studies have shown that erectile dysfunction is quite common men with Type 2 diabetes mellitus. Men with diabetes have 3 times the risk for erectile dysfunction compared to those without diabetes, with estimates of prevalence ranging from 20 to 85%.  A study by researchers in Cairo University looked at 100 patients aged 35 and 50 who were diagnosed with type 2 diabetes. The study participants were asked to fill out the International Index of Erectile Function questionnaire. Based on the answers to the questionnaires, results showed that 53% of patients have good sexual potency, 20% had fair (20%), and 26% had poor potency. Potency was inversely related to glycemic control, as measured by hemoglobin A1c (HbA1c) values.

Lung cancer not linked to diabetes
In another study, American researchers looked at the relationship between diabetes and pulmonary diseases, including asthma, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), pulmonary fibrosis, pneumonia and lung cancer. Data were taken from a very large database of electronic health record of 1,811,228 members of a health plan in California. Of these, about 4% have been diagnosed with diabetes. Data analyses showed that diabetes is associated with an increased risk for asthma, COPD, pulmonary fibrosis, and pneumonia but not for lung cancer.

Gum disease linked to diabetes
A study by researchers of New York University indicates gum disease could be linked to diabetes. Base on national data collected by the CDC, gum disease is also linked to cardiovascular and metabolic disorders such as excess weight and hypertension.

“More than 90 percent of people with gum disease would have been recommended by the American Diabetes Association for diabetes testing because of their risk factors.”

In fact, based on the study results, gum disease could be used as a disease marker that can sound the alarm for further testing for diabetes.

Rise in diabetes limb amputations
Amputations due complications from diabetes are becoming more and more common, according to a BBC report. According to the report, major diabetes-linked amputations increased by 43% between 1996 and 2005 whereas lower extremity (below ankle) amputations doubled.

Vision Loss in Diabetics Becoming Less Common
On the bright side, vision loss brought about by type 1 diabetes less common. Comparing its current incidence to that in the 1970s, the decrease is significantly difference. Researchers believe this might be due “to better blood sugar control and improved treatment of diabetes-related eye disorders.”