Several studies conducted have found that sexual dysfunction among is one of the complications of diabetes. Because the human sexual system involves the normal functioning of the other bodily systems, it is common to find people with long-term diabetes to be experiencing sexual problems such as decreased interest, pain and discomfort, and for men, impotence or erectile dysfunction.

A study by the Catholic University of Leuven, Belgium (published by the American Diabetes Association), showed that men and women are at an increased risk of sexual dysfunction. Furthermore, this study showed that for men, sexual dysfunction with diabetes is related to somatic and psychological factors and are easily treatable. As many as 50% of men with diabetes reported to have experienced sexual dysfunction more particularly erectile dysfunction but the good news is that studies conducted show that more than 95% of these cases can be treated successfully.

If the sexual dysfunction in men is found to be more psychological than physiological, men might found counseling beneficial. This might have resulted from the fear and low-self esteem that are caused by the symptoms and complications of diabetes. This is because physical and lifestyle changes including medical treatments might trigger the fear of becoming impotent and thus making the reason of the dysfunction more psychological. Achieving a well-gratifying sexual life requires a lot of factors such as normal sex drive, proper emotional make up, and a healthy and stress-free relationship between the spouses. It is thus important that he partners talk it out openly and seek medical consultation with their physicians, urologist, and sexual counselor.

But with the physiological side of the problem, impotence in diabetic men might well be a result of blocked or damaged nerves that are responsible for penile erection. Like any other patient with diabetes, good blood sugar level control may decrease the problem. Kidney problems as a complication of diabetes may also pose a risk of possible impotence so it is very important that the kidneys stay healthy.

As such, men with diabetes who encounter sexual dysfunctions should immediately consult professional medical help to determine whether it is psychological or physical (resulting from diabetes complications). With continuing medications to treat the complications of diabetes including sexual dysfunction, other steps can help prevent and treat it such as avoiding cigarettes and other tobacco products since smoking causes blood vessels to narrow contributing to blockages that run higher risks of achieving erection. It also means avoiding excessive alcohol intake. Other good health practices such as a healthy and balanced diet, regular exercise and adequate water intake could also help in keeping normal and unobstructed bodily functions including the sexual and reproductive system.

If left untreated, sexual dysfunctions in diabetic conditions can cause serious damage not only to a man’s health as he treats diabetes as a whole but also to his healthy relationship with his partner. Frustrations and stress resulting from it can lead to serious depression that can derail a man’s successful treatment of his diabetes. Men and their partners don’t have to suffer diminished sexual satisfaction and live with it along with other complications of diabetes. With a supportive environment that includes an expert medical team in diabetes control and men’s health, a loving, understanding and supportive partner, and a bunch of friends who should keep the positive spirits high, sex should never be impaired.

Diabetes occurs when the pancreas malfunctions and not enough insulin is produced or when insulin is not used properly. Insulin is the essential hormone that breaks down glucose into essential energy that the systems in the body need to carry out their functions. As a result a condition called hyperglycemia occurs because of the abnormal level of glucose. This eventually damages the nerves and blood vessels and fatal complications like heart disease and stroke, kidney malfunction and blindness occur.

This illness currently afflicts close to 250 million around the world and is now fast becoming a pandemic. This figure only represents those who have been diagnosed with the disease. In the US there are now and estimated 17 million diabetics.

Nature 

Type 1 Diabetes, formerly known juvenile diabetes is one of two types of diabetes. In this type of the disease, the pancreas is unable to produce the hormone insulin thus glucose and starches are not converted to the needed energy form compared to type 2 diabetes where the body can still produce insulin however, it is not used properly. Type is also called insulin-dependent diabetes. It is usually found occurring among children, teenagers, and young adults but it can occur at any age. Symptoms of this type include increased thirst because of frequent urination weight loss even if appetite is normal, nausea, vomiting, abdominal pain, fatigue, and in women, the absence of menstruation. If these signs become marked, one should seek medical consultation so that proper tests are administered.

Tests are then done to diagnose the disease. Two initial tests are, urinalysis and blood tests, are done to check glucose and ketone bodies. Fasting blood glucose test shows normal blood sure level at not higher done 126 mg/dL. Insulin test is also administered. In C-peptide test, diabetes is diagnosed when the there is low or undetectable level of protein C-peptide, a by-product of insulin production.
 
Treatment

Initial treatment for newly diagnosed people with diabetes might require them to be hospitalized due to the sudden and severe symptoms at the onset of the disease. Proper care and treatment is needed if diagnosed patients wants to prolong his life, reduce the symptoms, and avoid the severe complications such as cardio-vascular diseases, blindness, kidney failure, and amputation of limbs due to wounds that would not heal.

Regular Insulin Intake: Because in this type of diabetes the body cannot produce its own needed insulin, insulin needs to taken in one to four times a day. Commonly it is entered through the body by injection it under the skin. In other cases, it is also inhaled.

Diet and Diet Plan: A healthy and balanced diet for patients is extremely important since the food taken in must work properly with the insulin intake to properly regulate glucose levels.

Physical Exercise: Equally important is regular exercise because it helps in burning excess calories and fat. It also boosts the other parts of the treatment in regulating blood sugar level to achieve a healthy weight.

Another thing recommended for patients would be self-blood glucose monitoring to check if diet, medications, and exercise programs are going well with each other in controlling the sugar level in the body. Regular simple self-administered tests will provide information to the patient and help him adjust the diet plan, medication, and exercise programs. Since diabetes destroys the nerves and blood vessels, it could make the patient numb to injury and wounds might go unnoticed especially in the feet until the infection could lead to amputation of the affected area that is why a foot care program is also recommended.

The regular monitoring program includes of course regular visit medical professionals that specialize in the disease: diabetes educator, ophthalmologist to check signs of diabetic retinopathy or eye complications, dentist (who is informed of the disease) for dental cleaning and exam, feet inspection by the diabetic health care provider.

With all these plans religiously done by the person afflicted with the disease, he can still manage to live a healthy and happy life and enjoy it to its fullest with his loved-ones.

Out of 100 women in their childbearing age, at least 1 has diabetes. Medical professionals used to recommend not having pregnancy for women with diabetes but with the advances in medical science, women can now have the joy of pregnancy and motherhood even in diabetic conditions.

Before Pregnancy

It is very important that women with pre-existing conditions of diabetes to take extra care, planning, and control before deciding for a pregnancy. Diabetes experts recommend at least three to six months before pregnancy that extra control on blood sugar levels is done. A woman with diabetes needs to consult the following medical experts prior to deciding on pregnancy: a diabetes-trained doctor, who has experienced handling pregnant women with diabetes, an obstetrician who has a background in high-risk pregnancies, a pediatrician or neonatologist who can handle and treat diabetes-caused problems that might afflict the baby after birth, and a dietician who has special background on diabetes education who will manage the nutrition and diet as the pregnancy progresses.

During Pregnancy

Although the continuing intake of regular oral anti-diabetic medications was found to be safe during pregnancy, there are some that have to be changed. One is blood pressure medication, which can be very dangerous to the fetus especially during the first trimester when the vital organs are still being developed.

Proper nutrition and insulin ingestion is of course of high importance for diabetic pregnant women. A strict dietary plan, which of course includes balanced and proper food intake (includes daily calorie and carbohydrates level), also entails the timing of eating. The insulin treatment will also have to change especially during the last few months of pregnancy when insulin needs will increase.

Proper exercise regimen will also have to taken into major consideration during pregnancy especially for women with type 2 diabetes. This will help enhance the body’s response to insulin. Those with type 1 diabetes may do a stricter regimen prior to the pregnancy.

Women with diabetes can still enjoy themselves and live normal lives during pregnancy just as pregnant women without diabetes would as long as they religiously follow their diabetes care regimen. With a strictly carried out diabetes regimen during pregnancy, a pregnant women can look forward to that long awaited and exciting day of delivery.

Delivery and After Delivery

Although a pregnant woman with diabetes can still opt to have a normal delivery (vaginal) on the expected due date, most doctors would recommend inducing delivery a week or two prior to the due date using a caesarian section. This is to avoid possible delivery risks for both the mother and the baby. This would depend on the baby’s condition before the expected delivery date such as size and position, lung maturity, movements, heart rate and the amount of amniotic fluid. It would also depend on the mother’s general health and her blood glucose and blood pressure levels.

After the baby arrives, just as in any other cases, breastfeeding will be very essential to keep the baby healthy and well nourished. Of course the mother should continue to consult her dietician on the best and proper meal plan. Less insulin will also be recommended and diabetes pills will not ber recommended during the breastfeeding stage.

Indeed, becoming a mother is a life-changing event and this can never be denied even to a woman with diabetes. Thanks to the wonders of scientific advancements. The presence of a supportive and loving partner of course completes the arduous task of preparing for emotional and lifestyle changes and of going through pregnancy under diabetic conditions.

Since ancient times, long before patented drugs were invented out of clinical studies funded by pharmaceutical companies, medical practitioners have already sought the intrinsic power of herbal remedy plants. Most documented are ancient Chinese and the Ayurvedic (Sri Lankan monks and Indian doctors) medical treatment. Modern medicine also includes herbal remedies as natural alternatives and supplements to the treatment and management of diabetes and its complications.

The following are the most common diabetes herbal remedies recommended by diabetes specialists: Cinnamon, Bitter Gourd or Bitter Melon, Fenugreek, seeds of the Jamun, Gulair, Coriander Lettuce, Red Rose & Fennel plants, Milk Thistle or Sylimarin, Ginko Biloba, European Blueberry, Gymnema Sylvestre, and Banaba. 

·        Cinnamon. Methylhydroxy chalcone polymer (MHCP) is the active ingredient found in this herbal plant. Science found that an intake of half a teaspoon of cinnamon twice a day helps improve the efficiency of insulin and according to experts it might even triple the body’s sensitivity to the role of insulin in converting glucose into energy. It also contains antioxidants that help fight the damaging effects of diabetes to the body.

·        Bitter Gourd or Bitter Melon. This herbal plant has been the most commonly used traditional treatment for diabetes especially in countries in the tropics where this plant abounds. It was discovered to have blood sugar lowering ingredients. There are two active ingredients in this herbal plant. They are Charantin and Momordica. Charantin works potently like hypoglycemic drugs. Momordica on the other hand possesses capabilities that decrease blood glucose levels, the role that insulin does in the body. Homemade preparations and intake include crushing the leaves to extract the juice and an ounce of it twice a day is enough for the therapy.

·        Fenugreek. Like Bitter Melon, the juice of this plant is extracted and taken most recommended in the morning. This has been found effective to treat the early stages of diabetes.

·        Seeds of Jamun, Gulair, Coriander Lettuce, Red Rose & Fennel Plants. Powder is extracted from the seeds of these plants and then mixed altogether to form the formulation, which is taken twice a day.

·        Milk Thistle or Sylimarin. This plant usually grows wild and the seeds from its flower are extracted and manufactured into either tablet or capsule form. Aside from its potency in cases of liver cirrhosis, tumors, prostate and lung cancer, it has also found to have capabilities of lowering down blood sugar levels in diabetic conditions. Its normal dosage is one capsule or tablet, ranging from 200-800 mg, per day.

·        Ginkgo Biloba. The use of this plant as an herbal remedy traces its roots to traditional Chinese medicine. The medice is extracted from its leaf and it is administered in standard dosage of 40-80 mg, three times a day. It has found to have effects on the prevention and early treatment of diabetes aside from its potency in improving the flow of blood in the peripheral tissues of the nerves in the arms, legs, hands, and feet.

·        Blueberry. The leaves of this plant have also found to have active ingredients that are powerful in getting rid of excessive sugar in the blood aside from its power to relieve inflammation of the bladder, kidney, and prostate. To extract the juice, leaves are boiled. Three cups a day is recommended to have its power in full blast. This is one of the herbal remedies that are found effective, non-toxic, and have tremendous cases of efficiency.

·        Banaba. The leaves of this crepe myrtle variety are also effective in handling glucose and lowering down blood sugar. It has also become a popular ingredient in weight-loss products. This plant grows wild in the Philippines, India, Malaysia, and Australia and has been subjected to numerous studies in Japan due to its effective ingredients in the treatment of diabetes. It is taken in either as a tea or in tablet form. 

·        Gymnema Sylvestre. Called the “sugar destroyer”, this plant is native to the tropics of India and has been used in traditional Indian medicine for 200 years now as a treatment of diabetes. It was found to have the power of insulin in lowering blood sugar levels. As a home herbal remedy, its dry leaves are pounded with Coriander fruit and are taken orally.

Indeed, nature always provides countless cures and remedies to various diseases and herbal remedy have been in use for countless years. In the treatment of diabetes, it has become undoubtedly one effective part of relieving the damaging effects but a holistic approach should always be considered. This includes proper awareness of the disease, strict nutrition regimen, adequate physical exercise, and religious monitoring of blood glucose level with the guidance of a medical professional.

Symptoms of diabetes can be sometimes similar but sometimes a little different for Type 1 and Type 2 diabetes. 

Type 1 Diabetes Symptoms:

• Extraordinary thirst
• Dried up mouth
• More than usual trips to bathroom
• Wright loss without even trying
• Fatigue or weakness
• Blurry vision

Type 2 Diabetes Symptoms:

• Blurry vision
• Sores cuts or which take a long time to heal
• Itching skin or yeast infections
• Extraordinary thirst
• Dried up mouth
• More than usual trips to bathroom
• Pain in the leg

As you can see, some signs of diabetes for Type 1 and Type 2 are common. If you experience one or more of these diabetes symptoms listed above, you should consult your doctor to be on safe side.

Each mile Chris rides, each dollar he raises will be used in the fight to prevent and cure diabetes and to improve the lives of all people affected by diabetes. No matter how small or large your gift is, your generous gift will help improve the lives of more than 20 million Americans who suffer from diabetes, in the hope that future generations can live in a world without this disease.

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1 teaspoon (5 ml) ground allspice
1 teaspoon (5 ml) freshly ground pepper
1/4 teaspoon (1.25 ml) salt
4 skinless duck breasts, 5 ounces (150 g) each, all fat removed
 refrigerated butte-flavored cooking spray
1 medium onion, 5 ounces (150 g), minced
2 large cloves garlic, minced
3 fresh sage leaves, minced or 1/4 teaspoon (1.25 ml) rubbed dried
1 teaspoon (5 ml) minced fresh rosemary or 1/4 teaspoon (1.25 ml) crushed dried
1/2 ounce (15 g) low fat, low-sodium ham, chopped
1/2 cup (120 ml) dry white wine
1/2 cup (120 ml) fat-free, no salt added canned chicken broth
2 medium Granny Smith or Fuji apples, 10 ounces total (300 g), cored and sliced
1 tablespoon (15 ml) red wine vinegar
 extra fresh sage leaves for garnish (optional)
Combine allspice, pepper, salt, and rub on the duck breasts. Allow it to stand at room temperature for 15 minutes.

Lightly spray a nonstick skillet with cooking spray. Add the duck breasts and saute on high heat until brown on both sides. Lower the heat and cook until its medium rare, taking about another 3 minutes per side. Do not overcook duck breast as will become dry and stringy. Transfer duck breasts to a heated platter and keep it warm.

Add the onion, garlic, sage, rosemary, and ham to the skillet. Stir in wine and broth. Reduce liquid to about 1/3 cup (80 ml).
Spray another nonstick skillet with cooking spray and sauté apple slices with red winger until they begin to soften, about 4 minutes. Set aside.
Add the duck breasts to the reduced sauce and reheat. Place a duck breast on each of 4 serving plates. Top with equal portions of the sauce and apples. Serve immediately.
Per serving: 257 calories (23% calories from fat), 30 g protein, 7 g total fat (2.0 g saturated fat), 15 g carbohydrate, 3 g dietary fiber, 111 mg cholesterol, 259 mg sodium
Diabetic exchanges: 4 lean protein (meat), 1 carbohydrate (fruit)

Serves 4 people

Chances of men having this condition are 300% more than men who don’t have diabetes. Also, men who have diabetes usually can suffer from erectile dysfunction as much as 10-15 years earlier than men who don’t have diabetes. So it is obvious that diabetes and sexual dysfunction in men have a proven co-relation.

Diabetes is not the only medical condition that can lead a man toward sexual dysfunction. Other medical conditions that can lead men toward sexual dysfunction are blood pressure, alcoholism, kidney disease, and blood vessel disease. Side effects of medications, smoking, psychological factors, and hormonal deficiencies can also lead to sexual dysfunction.

Lot of men are hesitant to talk to their doctor about this condition. But if you suffer from erection dysfunction, talking to your doctor is the first thing you must do. Your doctor can analyze your family history, your current other medical conditions, perform lab tests to identify the cause of ED. You may be able to get cured if certain medical condition leading you to ED can be treated first.

In general, there is no cure for erectile dysfunction which is commonly known as ED. However, there are ED pills like Cialis, Viagra, and Levitra (also known as Vardenafil) which can treat ED and give you an erection.

Researchers pulped about a ton of fresh bitter melon and extracted four very promising bioactive components. All of these four compounds appear to activate the enzyme AMPK, a protein that is well known for regulating the fuel metabolism and enabling glucose uptake.

Type 2 diabetics have impaired ability to convert the sugar in their blood into energy in their muscles. This is partly due to not producing enough insulin, and partly because of their fat and muscle cells not using insulin effectively, a condition known as ‘insulin resistance’.

Exercise can activate AMPK in muscle, which then mediates the movement of glucose transporters to the cell surface, a very important step in the uptake of glucose from the circulation into tissues in the body. This is the single biggest reason for which exercise is recommended as part of the normal treatment program for someone with Type 2 diabetes. Four compounds extracted from bitter melon perform a very similar action to that of exercise, in that they activate AMPK.

There are diabetes drugs on the market that can activate AMPK but can have side effects. The advantage of this traditional Chinese medicine bitter melon is that there are no known side effects. Practitioners of Chinese herbal medicine have used it for hundreds of years to good effect.

 Scientists will continuing to work on the therapeutic potential of bitter melon.

barbecue sauce
1 10 3/4-ounce (301 g) can tomato puree
1/2 onion, 3 ounces (90 g) chopped fine
3 tablespoons (45 ml) French style whole-grain mustard
3 tablespoons (45 ml) fresh lemon juice
sugar substitute equivalent of 2 tablespoons sugar, or to taste
1 tablespoon (15 ml) Worcestershire sauce
1 to 2 tablespoons (15 to 30 ml) hot sauce (optional)
1/4 teaspoon (1.25 ml) ground allspice
1/4 teaspoon (1.25 ml) ground ginger
1/3 cup (160 ml) water
freshly ground pepper

6 chicken breasts, 6 ounces, (180 g) each, bone in, fat and skin removed
olive oil cooking spray

Prepare the coals in the barbecue or light the grill.
Making the sauce: place the tomato puree in a deep sauce pan. Add onions and let it simmer slowly, covered, for 5 minutes. Uncover and add mustard, lemon juice, sugar substitute, worcestershire sauce, pepper sauce (if needed), allspice, ginger, and water. Let it simmer slowly for about 10 minutes until the sauce gets thickened. Add the pepper as desired. Makes about 2 cups of sauce that can be frozen/refrigerated for up to 4 days, or served warm immediately.
When you are ready to grill, lightly coat the chicken breasts with cooking spray. Pat with freshly ground pepper and them place on the grill, bone side up. Grill, turning frequently, for 20 to 25 minutes. After 20-25 minutes brush both sides with barbecue sauce. Continue to grill until the chicken is no longer pink when cut with a knife.
To serve, return the barbecue sauce to the stove and bring to a rapid boil for at least 2 minutes. Transfer sauce to a serving dish and pass to spoon over chicken breasts.

Per serving (with 2 tablespoons sauce): 170 calories (10% calories from fat), 33 g protein, 2 g total fat (0.5 g saturated fat), 3 g carbohydrates, 1 g dietary fiber, 82 mg cholesterol, 246 mg sodium
Diabetic exchanges: 4 very lean protein