Diabetes Management Tucson

Diabetes affects more than 100 million people worldwide, and research suggests that men have a higher risk of developing Type 2 diabetes than women. Hundreds of men throughout Tucson suffer from diabetes, but many don’t give this condition a second thought. This serious disease occurs when your body cannot produce enough insulin, or has difficulty using insulin to stabilize blood sugar levels.The potential health consequences of diabetes can be very serious, and those who have it are at a greater risk of developing cardiovascular diseases. Fortunately, many diabetic complications are preventable through treatment. If you or a loved one is having a difficult time keeping their diabetes under control, contact Men’s Vitality Center in Tucson today for an appointment.

Types Of Diabetes

Diabetes is a disease that occurs when your blood glucose levels, also known as your blood sugar levels, are too high. Blood glucose is the body’s main source of energy that comes from the foods you eat, and insulin allows the body to transform the glucose you consume into energy. When the body doesn’t make enough insulin, or doesn’t use insulin correctly, the glucose will stay in your blood and never reach your cells. Over time, this can lead to a wide range of serious health issues. While there are several distinct types of diabetes, your healthcare professional will be able to help you determine which condition you have.

Type I Diabetes

When someone has Type I diabetes, their body does not produce enough insulin. As a result, the immune system may attack the body and destroy the pancreatic cells responsible for producing insulin. This form of diabetes is usually not diagnosed in children or young adults, though it can affect anyone at any age. People who suffer from Type I diabetes must take insulin every day.

Type 2 Diabetes

Type 2 diabetes, also known as adult-onset diabetes, is a lifelong disease that occurs when the cells of the body cannot use insulin correctly, or when the pancreas struggles to make enough insulin. Those who suffer from Type 2 diabetes are referred to as being insulin-resistant.

Symptoms Of Diabetes In Men

Unfortunately, many common signs and symptoms of diabetes can go undetected and unnoticed. Men with diabetes may experience the following symptoms:

Erectile Dysfunction

A common symptom of diabetes in men is erectile dysfunction (ED). According to the National Diabetes Information Clearinghouse, men with diabetes are at a greater risk of ED than those without. The organization states that anywhere from 20 to 75 percent of men with diabetes suffer from erectile dysfunction. Also known as the inability to achieve or maintain an erection, erectile dysfunction can have a negative effect on a man’s self-confidence.

If you’re wondering why diabetes is linked to erectile dysfunction, we’re here to clear things up. High blood sugar levels can have an effect on the blood vessels and nerves that are crucial to achieving and maintaining an erection. Complications can progress when diabetes is left unattended, and the condition has a direct effect on the autonomic nervous system (ANS) in the body. This system controls the widening and constricting of blood vessels. When there is damaged or restricted blood supply to the penis, it disrupts proper blood flow to the genitals.

If you suffer from erectile dysfunction, it may be time to seek help from a medical professional. Schedule an appointment with one of the physicians at Men’s Vitality Center in Tucson today.

Retrograde Ejaculation

Men who suffer from diabetes may also experience retrograde ejaculation. This is a condition in which part, or all, of a man’s semen goes into the bladder instead of out of the tip of the penis during ejaculation. When a man’s internal muscles, known as sphincters, do not function normally, this unwanted condition can occur. Men who experience retrograde ejaculation may notice that their semen production isn’t what it used to be, or they may become aware of the issue when fertility problems arise.

Non-Sexual Symptoms of Diabetes

• Frequent urination: Elevated blood sugar levels cause the kidneys to work harder as they try to eliminate excess sugar from the body. This causes frequent urination which may worsen at night.
• Thirst: The body loses water as the body eliminates sugar through the kidneys. This, in turn, causes excessive thirst throughout the day.
• Hunger: Though diabetics have excess glucose in their blood, insufficient amounts are actually absorbed and used as fuel. This can cause a constant feeling of hunger, even immediately after meals.
• Fatigue: The inability to convert glucose into fuel can cause extreme fatigue in both Type I and Type II diabetics.
• Tingling and numbness: Elevated blood sugar can cause poor circulation and damage nerve endings throughout the body. In Type II diabetics, this symptom manifests itself as tingling sensations that affect primarily the hands and feet.
• Slow healing: High blood sugar levels inhibit the body’s ability to heal properly, which makes it difficult for cuts and wounds to heal properly.
• Blurry vision: As we discussed above, high blood sugar levels can damage blood vessels and nerves throughout the body. In addition to tingling and numbness, this can also cause blurry vision that comes and goes in one or both eyes.

Have you experienced any of the symptoms of diabetes? If so, please get in touch with Men’s Vitality Center and we will schedule an evaluation as soon as possible.

Who Is at Risk of Developing Diabetes?

According to the American Heart Association, diabetes contributes to more than 230,000 deaths per year. As the rate of diabetes in men continues to climb, you may be wondering who is most at risk for this condition. There are a number of risk factors that can increase a person’s risk for developing diabetes, though some of these characteristics may be beyond your control, such as:

• Your Family History – If you have a relative with diabetes, your risk of developing the condition is significantly increased.
• Race or Ethnic Background – According to recent statistics, African-American, Asian-American, Latino/Hispanic-Americans, and Native Americans are all at a high risk of developing diabetes.
• Age – The older you are, the higher your risk of developing diabetes. Oftentimes, Type 2 diabetes occurs in middle-aged adults over the age of 45.

While you may not be able to control the above risk factors, there are certain parts of your life that are still in your control. By making healthy changes in the areas below, you can work to reduce your risk of diabetes and improve your overall quality of life.

• Obesity – If you are overweight or obese, you are at a much higher risk of developing diabetes. People who make a point to lose five to seven percent of their body weight can cut their risk of developing diabetes in half.
• Physical Inactivity – As you may have guessed, physical inactivity is also a major risk factor for developing prediabetes and Type 2 diabetes. By achieving at least 150 minutes per week of moderate exercise, you can work toward lessening your risk of diabetes.
• High Blood Pressure – If you suffer from high blood pressure, you’re putting yourself at a higher risk of diabetes. In addition to causing damage to the cardiovascular system, when left untreated, high blood pressure has been linked to diabetes development.
• Abnormal Cholesterol Levels – If your cholesterol levels are imbalanced, it can increase your risk of Type 2 diabetes. Maintaining a healthy diet and exercise regimen can help you improve normal levels of cholesterol.

Men’s Vitality Center in Tucson is proud to offer industry-leading diabetes management to men across Arizona. If you need assistance maintaining your diabetes, or you’ve started to notice any of the signs and symptoms mentioned above, contact our men’s healthcare professionals today. In addition to our diabetes management program, we also offer cholesterol and weight loss management, testosterone replacement therapy, and STD screenings. If you’re interested in learning more about our services or you’re ready to schedule an appointment at our clinic, contact us today. We’re dedicated to helping you improve your life!