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ERECTILE DYSFUNCTION AND DIABETES: THE HEART OF THE MATTER

12/31/2014

The taboo of sexual dysfunction is common. Many healthcare providers are uncomfortable asking questions about sexual health. For men with type 2 diabetes, erectile dysfunction has been shown to precede the development of coronary heart disease. Men with Type 2 diabetes who suffer from erectile dysfunction (ED) have a 58% increased risk of heart attack or death. The presence of ED should be investigated by healthcare providers during every office visit or diabetes education session. Patients need to know that erectile dysfunction is an important warning sign of coronary heart disease.

According to research completed in Italy, erectile dysfunction often precedes and predicts heart disease in men with silent coronary heart disease. Several Hundred men with Type 2 diabetes and silent coronary artery disease were followed for 4 years. Angiographic imaging demonstrated evidence of plaque build-up in their coronary arteries, but these patients did not have typical symptoms of coronary heart disease such as angina.

Men with Type 2 diabetes need to know about the serious implications associated with ED. Health care providers and diabetes educators need to inform men with Type 2 diabetes about the strong connection between ED and heart disease. Erectile dysfunction is not just about sexual health in these patients, it could mean life or death.

Christine Mealey RN, MSN, CDE

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Diet Soda and Diabetes: Drink water instead

12/28/2014

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Consumption of sugar-sweetened soda is linked to an increased risk of Type 2 diabetes, but what about Diet soda and other artificially sweetened beverages? New research is connecting obesity and diabetes to artificial sweeteners. The artificial sweeteners appear to alter the gut flora and cause glucose intolerance and weight gain. Research is now revealing that people who eat more artificial sweeteners tend to be heavier, have bigger waistlines and have higher fasting blood sugar levels.

In my diabetes education practice, I meet many people who are big soda drinkers. Many patients have a 3-4+ bottle a day habit they are encouraged to give up immediately. Switching to diet soda seemed to be the perfect solution for many of these folks, but the new research contradicts this idea. Many patients ask me “what can I drink if I cannot drink soda?” The simple answer of course is water, but many patients tell me flat out, that is not something they are willing to do.

Most big soda drinkers that I have met through my diabetes education practice, are willing to switch to artificially sweetened beverages. According to the new research on artificial sweeteners, this can actually increase their weight and make their diabetes worse. I plan on sharing the new information on artificial sweeteners and will strongly encourage all my diabetes education patients: DRINK WATER INSTEAD.

By Christine Mealey RN, MSN, CDE

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diabetes can be complicated

12/23/2014

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With all the diabetes websites available on the internet, why does diabetes have to be so tricky to figure out? Why are most diabetes websites so complicated? As a certified diabetes educator (CDE) and mom to a child with Type I diabetes, I too am confused by a lot of the diabetes info online. (Really!)

Basic information like target blood sugar levels and how to use a glucometer are bogged down with wordy sentences and NO pictures! I am a visual learner, along with about 80% of the population, so I love pictures when I am learning. You know the old saying " a picture is worth a thousand words", well they are right! So with that in mind, I decided to start my own website designed to "keep it simple" "easy". Music to my ears and to anyone living with diabetes or caring for a loved one with diabetes.

Diabetes is enough work on its own, never-mind making it difficult and confusing to understand. I hope you like my website. I will be adding more materials each week, but hopefully daily. To all the people touched by Diabetes, you are not alone.

Christine Mealey RN, MSN, CDE

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ERECTILE DYSFUNCTION AND DIABETES: THE HEART OF THE MATTER

Diet Soda and Diabetes: Drink water instead

diabetes can be complicated

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