Male Erectile Dysfunction

What is erectile dysfunction?

Erectile dysfunction is when a man is unable to get and/or keep an erection that allows sexual activity with penetration. It is not a disease, but a symptom of some other problem, either physical, psychological or a mixture of both.

How common is erectile dysfunction?

Erectile dysfunction is very common and becomes more common as men age. Survey showed that at least one in five men over the age of 40 years has erectile problems and about one in ten men are completely unable to have erections. With each increasing decade of age, the chance of having erectile problems increases.

What causes erectile dysfunction?

Many factors can affect a man’s ability to get and keep an erection. Two or three factors, that may be a combination of physical and psychological factors, are often present at one time. Sometimes there is no clear reason for the erectile dysfunction; however, most cases of erectile dysfunction have a physical cause.

Is erectile dysfunction just part of getting old?

There is no doubt that the muscle cells in the ageing penis are less responsive, interfering with getting and keeping good erections. Like the rest of the ageing body, muscle tone in the penis reduces with age, as do many other aspects of sexual function.

It can take longer for a man to get fully aroused. It may take much longer before a second erection happens compared to when the man was younger, and usually the erection is not as firm.

How is erectile dysfunction treated?

For most men, erectile dysfunction cannot be cured, for some there may be a reversible underlying cause. For this reason, it is important to assess all men with erectile problems to see if there is a treatable cause. Usually there will not be a specific treatment that will lead to the improvement of erectile dysfunction. However, there are treatments that will allow erections to happen and can be used to allow sexual activity to take place.

There are three main types of treatments: non-invasive treatments such as tablet medicines and external devices (e.g. vacuum device); penile injections; and for men who have not had success with other treatments, surgery (e.g. penile implant) may be an option.

Can I do anything to prevent erectile dysfunction?

Although not proven, it is likely that erectile dysfunction can be prevented by good general health, paying particular attention to body weight, exercise, and cigarette smoking. For example, heart disease and diabetes are problems that can cause erectile dysfunction, and both are preventable through lifestyle changes such as sensible eating and regular exercise. Furthermore, early diagnosis and treatment of associated conditions like diabetes, hypertension and high cholesterol may prevent or delay erectile dysfunction, or stop the erectile dysfunction from getting more serious.

Can a medicine or disease cause erectile dysfunction?

Sometimes men have erectile problems when they are taking medicines for other medical conditions. It is important not to stop taking prescribed medicines without first checking with a doctor. By working with the doctor, most men can find treatments that not only improve their general health and well-being, but also help the erectile problem.

Where can I get help for erectile dysfunction?

The local doctor is the best first point of contact if you have erectile problems. Often the local doctor can treat erectile problems without the need to refer to a specialist. Local doctors are able to prescribe medicines to treat erectile dysfunction. It is important to talk openly to a doctor about any problems with sexual functioning but this may be difficult for both you and the doctor. Most doctors are trained to deal with these problems, but if the doctor is not comfortable or confident in this area of medicine, they may refer you to a colleague in their practice or to a specialist if necessary. A good relationship with the doctor is important as treatment for erectile dysfunction may be ongoing and need regular review.

While the Internet is an important source of information, not all men can sort out which resources are safe and reliable. Ordering treatments on the Internet without a correct assessment is dangerous, and by bypassing the doctor, an opportunity for assessment is missed. Unfortunately, there are some clinics that take advantage of men with erectile dysfunction, providing services which are not helpful, often at increased prices, and often not providing a medical assessment.

Improve Sexual Performance

A healthy sex life is important. It is not only the ultimate communication of love and companionship but also good for your mental, physical and emotional wellbeing. Sex can soothe stress, depression and anxiety, it provides an enjoyable form of exercise and most importantly it gives and receives pleasure.

Healthy sexual functioning comes from a healthy lifestyle.

Your penis works healthily when you are healthy - think of it as your health barometer (but don't introduce it as such). If you keep your body healthy and well-maintained, your sexual functioning will improve and be, well, top notch.

To keep your barometer healthy and working:

Don't smoke. Men who smoke are twice as likely to suffer impotence as healthier non-smokers. Cigarettes damage arteries carrying blood into all the organs of the body.

Limit alcohol consumption. Excessive boozing reduces testosterone production, which can lower sex drive and cause impotence.

Manage your stress. Stress increases cortisol in your body and compromises testosterone production, lowering sex drive and function. Relax regularly, take adequate breaks, and get enough sleep.

Exercise. When you're fit, you feel and look more attractive, which will lift your sexual confidence. And, as we'll see in the next tip, the right kind of exercise will actually increase your levels of sex hormone. Exercise will also improve blood flow, which will make for sexual enhancement.

Eat for sex. Your hormonal expression is strongly influenced by what you eat, and improved circulation results in greater erectile response. Include in your diet foods rich in L-Arginine such as granola, oatmeal, peanuts, cashews, walnuts, dairy, green vegetables, root vegetables, garlic, ginseng, soybeans, chickpeas, and seeds

  

Here are some more foods that can help you achieve stronger erections:

Omega-3 acids: Found in fish like salmon and tuna, as well as avocados and olive oil, this type of fat increases blood flow.

Vitamin B1: This vitamin helps signals in your nervous system move quicker, including signals from your brain to your penis. It’s found in pork, peanuts, and kidney beans.

Eggs: High in other B vitamins, eggs help balance hormone levels, which can decrease stress that often inhibits an erection.

Also there are some foods that have shown to increase blood flow to the penis. Some of them include:

Onions & Garlic: While not great for your breath, these two foods help your circulation.

Bananas: This potassium-rich fruit can help lower your blood pressure, which can benefit your important sexual parts and boost sexual performance.

Chilies & Peppers: All-natural spicy foods help your blood flow by reducing hypertension and inflammation.

Erections

Erections will naturally become more frequent and stronger once your lifestyle becomes optimally healthy and you've taken active steps to build your sexual confidence and raise testosterone levels. But men can also learn to last much longer when they have more physical control, so remember to exercise your pubococcygeal (PC) muscles, too.

There are very simple and easy exercises you can do to make your erections stronger and give you greater ejaculatory control.

Kegel Exercises

If you were urinating and wanted to stop mid-flow, you'd need to tighten your PC (pubococcygeal) muscles. Of course, you don't need to be mid-flow to tighten them. Practice tightening them for the count of 5 seconds, then releasing them. Alternate in this way 20 times twice a day and work up to 70 repetitions twice a day. It will take a few weeks, but you'll soon notice much greater control.

Weight Lifting

Strength training could be just what the doctor ordered for your sex life. The reason: Weight lifting causes the body to produce testosterone, which is the primary precursor for the male sex drive. In fact, some studies have linked short intense exercise, such as weight lifting, with increased testosterone levels. To improve your sex life, do some push-ups, sit-ups, and crunches. These muscle-building exercises can help lead to better sex by strengthening the shoulders, chest, and abs. Strong upper body strength can increase stamina since these muscles are used during intercourse.

Yoga

Want to shake up your sex life with some new positions? Practising yoga will give you better sex by allowing your body to get into creative positions for maximum pleasure during intercourse. “Yoga will help your flexibility,” which can result in better sex. Some experts say it can also improve your stamina in the sack by drawing your energy in and up. Yoga poses that improve pelvic muscles, such as the Bow Pose, Peacock Pose (also called the Forearm or Elbow Balance), and Shoulder Stand.

Fast Walking

Fast walking, running, and other aerobic activities help your sex life for the same reason that they prevent heart attacks. They keep your blood vessels clear. The result can be stronger and longer erections. Vigorous activities, such as running and brisk walking, also release endorphins and relax you, which can boost your sexual performance.

Swimming

Since sexual activity can be an act of endurance, long-distance swimming can keep you going and going like the Energizer bunny. Swimming for at least 30 minutes three times a week will increase sexual endurance. Swimming is also a great activity for weight loss, which can also lead to better sex. A randomized, single-blind study of 110 obese men with ED found that losing just 10 percent of their body weight improved sexual function in one third of the men. And it’s no secret that losing excess body fat will help attain that six-pack abs and make you more attractive to potential partners. The result: better sex!

Herbal Treatment for Diabetes Mellitus

BITTER MELON

Biological source

 It is obtained from edible fruit of Momordica charantia, belonging to the family Cucurbitaceae.

Chemical constituents

The plant contains several biologically active compounds

a) Chiefly momordicin I & momordicin II, cucurbitacin B  

b) Glycosides ( momordin, charantin,charantosides, goyaglycosides)

c) Terpenoid compounds- momordicinin,momordicilin, momordol

d) Cytotoxic ( ribosome inactivating) proteinssuch as momorcharin & momordin.

Uses

Bitter melon is used as anti-diabetic. It contains lectin that has insulin like activity due to its non- protein specific linking toghther to insulin receptors.

This lectin lowers blood glucose level by acting on peripheral tissues. Lectin is a major contributor to hypoglycemic effect.

Scientific work done

Triterpenoids Isolated from Bitter Melon has showed anti diabetic activity.

Dosage form

 It is used as fresh juice, tincture, juice extract & powered leaf.

Dose

Fresh juice- 57-113 gm daily, Tincture- 1.3 ml/ twice/ daily, Juice extract- 300-600 mg, Powered leaf- 1-2 gm

  

FIERY COSTUS

Biological Source

It is obtained from the leaves of the plant Costus igneus, belonging to the family Costaceae. Chemical 

Constituents 

The main chemical constituents are Beta-carotene, deoxyribose, phenol, flavonoids, insulin precursors.

Uses

The leaves of insulin plant reduced the fasting and postprandial blood sugar levels, bringing them down towards normal. Reduction in the fasting and the postprandial blood sugar levels with leaves of insulin plant was comparable with that obtained with Glibenclamide 500 µg/kg at 250 mg/kg/day and 500 mg/kg/day of powdered leaves of the insulin plant.

The hypoglycemic action can be due to release of insulin, insulin-sensitizing action or a combination of both. Hence further studies need to be undertaken to determine the mechanism of action by measurement of either insulin or 'C' eptide level.

Scientific work done

Costus igneus has showed effect on hyperglycemia.

Dosage Forms

It is used as oral hypoglycemic agent, or as i.v. injection

Dose- Tablet- 1 tablet/ day

  

DANDELION

Biological Source

It is obtained from the leaves of Taraxacum officinale, belonging to the family Asteraceae. 

Chemical Constituents

 1. Sesquiterpene lactones (bitters): taraxinic acid (taraxacin), tetrahydroridentin B

2. Triterpenoids and sterols: taraxasterol, taraxerol, cycloartenol, beta-sitosterol

3.Other: Vitamin A, Vitamin C, tannins, alkaloids, pectin, insulin, starch, potassium, beta

carotene, caffeic acid, flavonoids (apigenin)

Uses

It is a good antidiabetic drug. It can lower the blood glucose level .Tests on diabetic mice show that dandelion extract may help regulate blood sugar and keep cholesterol in check.

Scientific work done

Dandelion has showed antihyperglycemic effect.

Dosage forms

Capsules, tinctures, and teas containing dandelion leaves, roots, flowers, or the entire plant is used.

Doses

Capsules taken after each meal

Adult doses: There is disagreement on the optimal form and dose of dandelion. Reputable physicians and herbalists recommend a range of doses :

Fresh leaves: 4-10 grams daily

Dried leaves: 4-10 grams daily

Fresh leaf juice: 1 tsp (4-8 ml) twice daily

Fluid extract: 1-2 teaspoons daily

Fresh roots: 2-8 grams daily

Dried powdered extract: 250-1000 mg three to four times daily

Tea: Pour 2 cups boiling water over one ounce of fresh leaves and steep for 10 minutes.

Or, boil 1 cup of water with 2-3 tsp of dried, cut root for 15 minutes. Cool.

Pediatric dosages: Unknown

FRENCH LILAC

Biological Source

It consists of the aerial parts of the plant, flowers, leaf, stem, seeds of the plant alega officinalis, belonging to the family Fabaceae.

Chemical Constituents

Oleanane & ursane type triterpinoids like sophoradiol, soyasapogenol b, & 9- sitosterol,

Sophorediol,galactogil,galegine,peganine, hydroxygalegine,vasicinone, alkaloids like lutein, pentahydroxyflavone 5 glucoside, luteoline, galuteoline, luteoline 5 glucosides,flavonoids, saponines etc.

Uses

It has been known since the Middle Ages for relieving the symptoms of diabetes mellitus.

Upon analysis, it turned out to contain compounds related to guanidine, a substance that decreases blood sugar by mechanisms including a decrease in insulin resistance, but were too toxic for human use. Georges Tanret identified an alkaloid from this plant (galegine) that was less toxic, and this was evaluated in clinical trials in patients with diabetes in the 1920s and 1930s.

Other related compounds were being investigated clinically at this time, including biguanide derivatives. This work led ultimately to the discovery of metformin (Glucophage), currently recommended in international guidelines for diabetes management as the first choice for antidiabetic pharmacotherapy alongside diet and exercise  and the older agent phenformin, which has been withdrawn in most countries due to an unacceptable risk of lactic acidosis (the risk of lactic acidosis with metformin is no higher than with other antidiabetic therapies when it is prescribed according to its label

The study of galegine and related molecules in the first half of the 20th century is regarded as an important milestone in the development of oral antidiabetic

pharmacotherapy.

  

Dosage form

It is used as herbal infusion, tincture & leaves.

Doses- Herbal infusion- twice daily, Tincture- thrice daily

  

TURMERIC

Biological Source

 It consists of dried fresh rhizomes of the plant Curcuma longa belonging to the family Zingiberaceae.

Chemical Constituents

Turmeric contains 5% of volatile oil, resin, zingiberaceous starch grains & yellow coloured curcuminoids. The chief components of curcuminoids is known as curcumin. Volatile oil is composed of mono and sesquiterpens such as alpha & beta pinene, alpha- phellandrene, camphor, camphene, zingiberene, alpha & beta curcumenes.

Use 

It is used as anti- diabetic drug

Scientific works done

1. Turmeric has showed hypoglycemic, hypolipidemic & antioxidant activity

2. Turmeric has shown effect in diabetes.

Dosage form

Powdered form of turmeric is used.

Dose

Powdered turmeric- 500-8000 mg/ day

  

CINNAMON

Biological source

It consists of dried inner bark of shoots of coppiced trees of Cinnamomum zeylanicum, belonging to the family Lauraceae.

Chemical constituents

Cinnamon bark contains volatile oil, tannins, mucilage, calcium oxalate, starch & mannitol. Cinnamon oil contains cinnamaldehyde, other terpenes like phellandrene, pinene, cymene, caryophyllene.

Uses

Cinnamon is used in the treatment of type II diabetes mellitus & insulin resistance.

Scientific works done

1. Alcoholic Extract of Cinnamomum zeylanicum

Leaves has shown antidiabetic Activity.

2. Cinnamon improves glucose and lipid of people

Dosage form

It is mostly used as powdered form.

Dose

Powder- ½ teaspoon daily

ONION

Biological source

It is obtained from the bulb of the plant Allium cepa, belonging to the family Liliaceae.

Chemical constituents

It contains essential amino acid composition of arginine, histidine, lysine, tryptophan, phenylalanine, methionine, threonine, leucine & isoleucine. The bulb on steam distillation yields an essential oil known as onion oil. The bulb contains several phenolic acid, such as protocatechuic acid, p-hydroxybenzoic acid, vanillic acid, caffeic acid, & o & p- coumaric acids. Citric, abietic, oxalic and mialic acids are also present. It also contains several oligo- saccharides.

Uses

Onion consists of an active ingredient called APDS (allyl propyl disulphide). APDS has been shown to block the breakdown of insulin by the liver and possibly to stimulate insulin production by the pancreas, thus increasing the amount of insulin and reducing sugar levels in the blood. It is found to lower lipid levels, inhibit platelet aggregation and are antihypertensive. So, liberal use of onion is recommended for diabetes patients.

Scientific work done

Clinical Hypoglycemic effect of Allium cepa (Red onion) has been seen.

Dosage forms

Raw & boiled onion extracts are used. APDS can also be administered orally.

Dose

 APDS- 125 mg/ kg to fasting humans.

GARLIC

Biological source

It consists of bulbs of the plant known as Allium sativum, belonging to the Liliaceae. 

Chemical constituents 

Garlic bulbs contain 29% of carbohydrate, about 56% of proteins (albumin), 0.1% of fat, mucilage, and 0.06- 0.1% of volatile oil. It also contains phosphorus, iron & copper. Volatile oil of the drug is the chief active constituent, and contains allyl propyl disulphide, diallyl disulphide, alliin and llicin. Alliin by action of enzyme allinlyase is converted into allicin. Garlic oil is yellow in

colour.

Use

Garlic cloves lower blood sugar significantly. Subsequently, scientific studies have proven that the presence of disulfides in garlic such as allyl propyl and diallyl sulfide have played a role in the decrease of blood glucose levels. They have been seen to have actions similar to Tolubutamide, a sulfonylurea drug of the first generation. They act on the pancreas and stimulate the production of insulin so as to control the sugar levels in the blood. It is those patients with type 2 diabetes who benefit the most out of this.

Scientific work done

Anti-diabetic and hypolipidaemic properties of garlic has been seen.

Dosage form

Juice extract of it is used.

Dose

Juice extract- 50 ml / daily

GINSENG

Biological Source

It is obtained from the dried roots of Panax ginseng, belonging to the family Araliaceae.

Chemical Constituents

Ginseng contains a mixture of several saponin glycosides, belonging to triterpenoid group. They are grouped as follows :

1) Ginsenosides

2) Panaxosides

3) Chikusetsusaponin

Ginsenosides contain aglycone dammarol while panaxosides have oleanolic acid as aglycone. About 13 ginsenosides have been identified. Panaxosides give oleanolic acid, panaxadiol & panaxatriol on decomposition.

Use

It is used as hypoglycemic agent.

Scientific works done

1. Use of Ginseng in diabetes.

2. Ginseng has shown hypoglycemic effect.

Dosage forms

Dried root and tincture are used.

Doses

Dried root- 0.5- 9 gm/ daily, Tincture- 0.2- 3/ one to three times daily

Popular herbs lower blood sugar for diabetic

There are many ways that people do to maintain low blood sugar levels naturally. One way is to use spices.

Spices are not only known to be the quality of taste to food, but also its ability in terms of health.

During certain types of spices are known to lower the level of sugar in the blood and is useful for diabetic patients.

Turmeric (curcumin) lowers blood sugar

In the traditional system of medicine, several spices and herbs are thought to possess medicinal properties.

Alternative medicine systems such as Ayurveda and traditional Chinese medicine value a variety of herbs and spices for possessing proposed medicinal benefits. Both these ancient traditions use turmeric to treat a number of conditions.

The human study involved 100 overweight and obese Type 2 diabetics who took either 300 milligrams of curcuminoids daily for 12 weeks or placebo. Researchers found curcuminoid supplementation significantly reduces fasting glucose and insulin resistance. Curcuminoids reduced blood sugar partially due to their effect of decreasing free fatty acids, or FFAs. Elevated FFAs interfere with your cell's ability to take in glucose. This action significantly contributes to insulin resistance.

When your cells are resistant to insulin -- a blood sugar-lowering hormone -- blood glucose levels remain elevated

Insulin resistance occurs when your body fails to respond properly to insulin, resulting in elevated blood sugar. This is commonly called prediabetes because it increases the risk of developing Type 2 diabetes. 

   

Side Effects and Possible Interactions

The vast majority of studies have used curcumin. Both turmeric and curcumin are available as supplements.

Because this spice lowers blood sugar, it may increase the effects of diabetes medications.

This effect can cause hypoglycemia, which is when your blood sugar is too low.

Turmeric and curcumin may interact with blood-thinning medication, increasing bleeding risk.

Turmeric and curcumin stimulate bile production, which may cause problems if you have gallstones or bile obstruction.

Although few promising human studies exist, talk to your doctor before taking turmeric for therapeutic purposes. Side effects and drug interactions are possible.

Cayenne lowers blood sugar

For most people, putting more flavors in food is a lot better and one commonly used hot flavor is the cayenne pepper. But out of its ordinary function comes an extraordinary finding in making our body healthy and immune. Studies confirm that cayenne pepper has health benefits for people who regularly consume it. And so, it is considered as a "miracle herb". It eases pain in the body as well as bringing our body temperature, cholesterol and blood sugar level to the ground. It is even good for the heart and helps in fighting cancer cells.

Although there is very little research that has been conducted on using cayenne pepper to manage diabetes, there is some evidence that it doesn't hurt blood sugar levels either.

Cayenne pepper has been found to curb the amount of insulin needed to lower blood sugar after a meal. Capsaicin, an active ingredient in hot peppers, actually helps stabilize blood sugar levels and possibly even decrease insulin release, which is particularly useful for people with Type 1 diabetes.

If you are interested in using cayenne pepper, diabetes patients should consult with their doctor to see which ways to use it best within one's diet.

Oregano lowers blood sugar

Oregano contains compounds called glucosides that help lower blood sugar.

Known for its pungent smell and as a dried herb which is included in pasta sauces or other flavourful dishes, oregano is not just valued for its flavour but also for its positive effects against diabetes. From a study published in the Journal of Natural Medicine in 2008, glucosides in oregano are the ones responsible for lowering blood sugar levels. The 2008 study reinforced similar findings from a separate study done in 2004 where a significant decrease of blood sugar levels were noted in rats for the clinical study purposes. Oregano can be consumed by adding it in teas, sauces, and most Italian dishes. It would be best to have organic oregano, or have a pot of the herb from which you can get fresh leaves.

How does tea help diabetes?

Tea is one of the favorite’s drinks and research suggests it’s also a healthy drink. Tea brings a number of health benefits including improving insulin sensitivity.

However, research notes that some the benefits are best experienced if you drink your tea without milk.

Teas such as black tea, green tea and oolong tea contain polyphenols which researchers believe may increase insulin activity.

Polyphenols are known to have anti-oxidative properties which can help protect against inflammation and carcinogens.

How Tea Helps to Prevent Diabetes

Green tea

Green Tea has been shown to inhibit the enzyme amylase produced and secreted by the salivary glands and pancreas for the digestion of starches.

Drinking Green Tea has also demonstrated the ability to prevent metabolism and absorption of triglycerides through the digestive tract.

These are the fatty substances that accumulate as adipose tissue (unsightly fat), clog up arteries, and like cholesterol can react adversely with oxygen in the bloodstream.

Components of Green Tea act like fat grabbers, passing the undesirable fats through the digestive tract and out the colon.

Green Tea adds to this by relaxing the muscles of the stomach and intestines thus slowing down the physical movement of food.

Anti-oxidants found in Green Tea scavenge the free radicals created from metabolic function as well as respiration. 

These free radicals react with oxygen and other air traveling molecules and toxins causing cell damage and permutations of the DNA structure that lead to cancer, heart disease, and organ failure. 

These same anti-oxidants inhibit the free radicals that are released when existing body fat is utilized for energy.

The exact way that green tea helps to reduce the risk for developing diabetes is unknown. However, studies done on mice suggest the polyphenols in green tea, in particular a catechins called epigallocatechin gallate (EGCG), mimic the effects of insulin.

In so doing, they increase the body's ability to metabolize glucose and thereby help to keep blood sugar levels from soaring too high. In addition, green tea appears to increase fat metabolism and prevent obesity, which is helpful because obesity sets the stage for diabetes.

Black Tea

Black tea, long known for its antioxidants, immune boosting and anti hypertensive properties, could have another health benefit.

The black tea polysaccharides also showed the highest scavenging effect on free radicals, which are involved in the onset of diseases such as cancer and rheumatoid arthritis.

Polysaccharides, a type of carbohydrate that includes starch and cellulose, may benefit people with diabetes because they help retard absorption of glucose.

Researchers studied the polysaccharide levels of green, oolong and black teas and whether they could be used to treat diabetes.

The researchers found that of the three teas, the polysaccharides in black tea had the most glucose-inhibiting properties.

Tea to Help Treat Type 1 Diabetes

Type 1 diabetes usually begins during childhood and it is incurable. These individuals require insulin shots and there is currently no substitute for this treatment. However, drinking green or oolong tea daily can work adjunctively with insulin shots. Tea can help to enhance the body's ability to utilize insulin and drinking 4 to 6 cups daily may therefore help to reduce the dose of insulin that is required. In addition, the regular consumption of tea has been found to help slow the progression of type 1 diabetes once it is established.

Tea to Help Treat Type 2 Diabetes

Type-2 diabetes is a disease that results primarily from lifestyle factors. Following a proper diet and exercise routine can reverse type 2 diabetes and both green and oolong tea can work adjunctively to facilitate the reversal. Green tea has been found to improve sensitivity to insulin and enhance glucose tolerance. It also helps to block the absorption of glucose into the bloodstream and prevent blood glucose levels from rising too high.

Oolong tea is also beneficial for the management of type 2 diabetes. In fact, a one month study done on type 2 diabetics found that drinking 6 cups of oolong tea daily reduced participants blood glucose levels from 229 to 162 milligrams/deciliter. Another study used 4.5 cups of oolong tea daily, and it resulted in a marked decrease in A1C levels, which is the measure used to calculate an individuals average blood glucose levels over a three month period.

Diabetes in old age

Diabetes can lead to dangerous health problems, such as having a heart attack or stroke.

The good news is that there are things you can do to take control of diabetes and prevent its problems.

People get diabetes when their blood glucose level, sometimes called blood sugar, is too high.

Our bodies change the food we eat into glucose. Insulin helps glucose get into our cells where it can be used to make energy. If you have diabetes, your body may not make enough insulin, may not use insulin in the right way, or both. That may cause too much glucose in the blood.

There are two kinds of diabetes that can happen at any age.

In type 1 diabetes, the body makes little or no insulin.

This type of diabetes develops most often in children and young adults.

In type 2 diabetes, the body makes insulin, but doesn't use it the right way.

It is the most common kind of diabetes.

You may have heard it called adult-onset diabetes. Your chance of getting type 2 diabetes is higher if you are overweight, inactive, or have a family history of diabetes.

It's important to keep type 2 diabetes under control. Over time it can cause problems like heart disease, stroke, kidney disease, blindness, nerve damage, and circulation problems that may lead to amputation.

People with type 2 diabetes have a greater risk for Alzheimer's disease.

Amongst the elderly population, type 2 diabetes is a growing problem, and a larger proportion of newly diagnosed diabetics are older. Treating and diagnosing diabetes amongst the elderly requires a flexible and unique approach.

Other disabilities associated with aging can contribute to the complexity of strictly self-managing diabetes.

Impaired physical functioning amongst some elderly patients can mean that adjusting to a diabetes care routine is more difficult. Cognitive impairment can also provide an obstacle.

Managing diabetes amongst the elderly may often have different objectives to treating the condition in younger patients. Some drugs may be less suitable for elderly patients, and treatment plans will almost certainly have to be adjusted.

Treating geriatrics with diabetes requires the caregiver to take a multidisciplinary role. The goals should always be the reduction of diabetes-related complications. Many older people with diabetes are under treated.

When a loved one has been diagnosed with diabetes, you naturally want to do everything you can to ensure their continued good health and quality of life. But where do you begin? What should you know? How do you start?

Specifically designed with the needs of the seniors with diabetes in mind, these guidelines take into consideration that older people with diabetes. Experience higher rates of premature death and mental and physical disability.

Are more prone to develop coexisting illnesses, including high blood pressure, heart disease and stroke

Have an increased risk for several common conditions associated with the aging process, such as depression, reduced mental function, urinary incontinence, harmful falls, persistent pain and overmedication.

Clinical studies have shown that aspirin use can reduce the risk of heart attack and other heart disease in older adults with diabetes.

Unless there are special circumstances where it could be harmful, 81 to 325 mg of aspirin per day is recommended for older adults to lower the risk of stroke and heart attack.

Older people with diabetes who have high LDL cholesterol should be given diet and exercise changes or put on cholesterol-lowering medication.

Several studies have shown that lowering LDL cholesterol reduces the risk of heart attack and stroke in older people with diabetes.

Older adults with normal or nearly normal LDL cholesterol and low HDL or elevated triglycerides should be offered medicine in addition to nutrition education.

Nutrition education, increased exercise, and weight loss also improve cardiovascular health in older adults with diabetes.

There is strong evidence from a number of clinical studies that drug therapy for blood pressure management reduces death from heart attack and stroke in middle-aged and older people.  Because older adults may have less tolerance for blood pressure reduction, it should be treated gradually to avoid complications. 

Studies show that education on medication use, blood glucose monitoring, and recognizing high and low blood sugar can greatly improve a person’s blood glucose control.

For many people, especially those with diabetes complications, one-on-one counseling or group classes with a diabetes educator can improve diabetes control.

Older people should have regular eye exams, foot exams, and tests of kidney functioning. Studies show that early diagnosis and treatment of diabetic retinopathy2 reduces the risk of blindness.

All people with diabetes should have a foot examination at least once a year.  Regular foot exams allow early diagnosis of diabetic and injuries which might turn into ulcers and lead to amputation.

Among people with diabetes, smokers have a higher risk than nonsmokers of premature death from heart disease.  The good news: in just 2 to 3 years after quitting smoking, the risk of coronary heart disease falls to levels similar to those of people who never smoke

Screen and treat for the following age-related conditions that are more common in older people with diabetes: depression, harmful falls, urinary incontinence, forgetfulness and other mental problems, and persistent pain.

Failing memory and other losses of mental ability make it harder for the older person to check their blood sugar, feed themselves properly and remember to take their meds on schedule

Older adults with diabetes can experience pain from nerve damage, and those with pain are often under-treated.

Older adults with diabetes are at high risk for drug side effects and drug interactions, because they may take several drugs each day to manage blood sugar, cholesterol, blood pressure, and other conditions.

The doctor should review every prescription and over-the-counter drug, ointment, and supplement being used by the patient at every visit and check that the person is taking each medicine properly. 

Here are some things to keep in mind:

Have yearly eye exams. Finding and treating eye problems early may keep your eyes healthy.

Check your kidneys yearly. Diabetes can affect your kidneys. A urine and blood test will show if your kidneys are okay.

Get flu shots every year and the pneumonia vaccine. A yearly flu shot will help keep you healthy. If you're over 65, make sure you have had the pneumonia vaccine. If you were younger than 65 when you had the pneumonia vaccine, you may need another one. Ask your doctor.

Check your cholesterol. At least once a year, get a blood test to check your cholesterol and triglyceride levels. High levels may increase your risk for heart problems.

Care for your teeth and gums. Your teeth and gums need to be checked twice a year by a dentist to avoid serious problems.

Find out your average blood glucose level. At least twice a year, get a blood test called the A1C test. The result will show your average glucose level for the past 2 to 3 months.

Protect your skin. Keep your skin clean and use skin softeners for dryness. Take care of minor cuts and bruises to prevent infections.

Look at your feet. Take time to look at your feet every day for any red patches. Ask someone else to check your feet if you can't. If you have sores, blisters, breaks in the skin, infections, or build-up of calluses, see a foot doctor, called a podiatrist.

Watch your blood pressure. Get your blood pressure checked often.