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Know about Prostate Cancer

What Is Prostate Cancer?

Prostate cancer develops in a man’s prostate, the walnut-sized gland just below the bladder that produces some of the fluid in semen. It’s the most common cancer in men after skin cancer. Prostate cancer often grows very slowly and may not cause significant harm. But some types are more aggressive and can spread quickly without treatment.

Symptoms of Prostate Cancer

In the early stages, men may have no symptoms. Later, symptoms can include:

  • Frequent urination, especially at night
  • Difficulty starting or stopping urination
  • Weak or interrupted urinary stream
  • Painful or burning sensation during urination or ejaculation
  • Blood in urine or semen

Advanced cancer can cause deep pain in the lower back, hips, or upper thighs.

 

Enlarged Prostate or Prostate Cancer?

3The prostate can grow larger as men age, sometimes pressing on the bladder or urethra and causing symptoms similar to prostate cancer. This is called benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH). It’s not cancer and can be treated if symptoms become bothersome. A third problem that can cause urinary symptoms is prostatitis. This inflammation or infection may also cause a fever and in many cases is treated with medication.

 

Risk Factors You Can’t Control

4Growing older is the greatest risk factor for prostate cancer, particularly after age 50. After age 70, studies suggest that most men have some form of prostate cancer, though there may be no outward symptoms. Family history increases a man’s risk: having a father or brother with prostate cancer doubles the risk. African-Americans are at high risk and have the highest rate of prostate cancer in the world.

 

Risk Factors You Can Control

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Diet seems to play a role in the development of prostate cancer, which is much more common in countries where meat and high-fat dairy are mainstays. The reason for this link is unclear. Dietary fat, particularly animal fat from red meat, may boost male hormone levels. And this may fuel the growth of cancerous prostate cells. A diet too low in fruits and vegetables may also play a role.

 

Myths About Prostate Cancer

6Here are some things that will not cause prostate cancer: Too much sex, a vasectomy, and masturbation. If you have an enlarged prostate (BPH), that does not mean you are at greater risk of developing prostate cancer. Researchers are still studying whether alcohol use, STDs, or prostatitis play a role in the development of prostate cancer.

 

Can Prostate Cancer Be Found Early?

7Screening tests are available to find prostate cancer early, but government guidelines don’t call for routine testing in men at any age. The tests may find cancers that are so slow-growing that medical treatments would offer no benefit. And the treatments themselves can have serious side effects. The American Cancer Society advises men to talk with a doctor about screening tests, beginning at:

  • Age 50 for average-risk men who expect to live at least 10 more years
  • Age 45 for men at high risk; this includes African-Americans and those with a father, brother, or son diagnosed before age 65
  • Age 40 for men with more than one first-degree relative diagnosed at an early age

 

Screening: DRE and PSA

8Your doctor may initially do a digital rectal exam (DRE) to feel for bumps or hard spots on the prostate. After a discussion with your doctor, a blood test can be used to measure prostate-specific antigen (PSA), a protein produced by prostate cells. An elevated level may indicate a higher chance that you have cancer, but you can have a high level and still be cancer-free. It is also possible to have a normal PSA and have prostate cancer.

 

PSA Test Results

9A normal PSA level is considered to be under 4 nanograms per milliliter (ng/mL) of blood, while a PSA above 10 suggests a high risk of cancer. But there are many exceptions:

  • Men can have prostate cancer with a PSA less than 4.
  • A prostate that is inflamed (prostatitis) or enlarged (BPH) can boost PSA levels, yet further testing may show no evidence of cancer.
  • Some BPH drugs can lower PSA levels, despite the presence of prostate cancer, called a false negative.

If either a PSA or DRE test are abnormal, your doctor will order other tests.

 

Prostate Cancer Biopsy

10If a physical exam or PSA test suggests a problem, your doctor may recommend a biopsy. A needle is inserted either through the rectum wall or the skin between the rectum and scrotum. Multiple small tissue samples are removed and examined under a microscope. A biopsy is the best way to detect cancer and predict whether it is slow-growing or aggressive.

 

Biopsy and Gleason Score

11A pathologist looks for cell abnormalities and “grades” the tissue sample from 1 to 5. The sum of two Gleason grades is the Gleason score. These scores help determine the chances of the cancer spreading. They range from  2, less aggressive, to 10, a very aggressive cancer. Gleason scores helps guide the type of treatment your doctor will recommend.

 

Prostate Cancer Imaging

12Some men may need additional tests to see if the cancer has spread beyond the prostate. These can include ultrasound, a CT scan, or an MRI scan (seen here). A radionuclide bone scan traces an injection of low-level radioactive material to help detect cancer that has spread to the bone.

In the MRI scan shown here, the tumor is the green, kidney-shaped mass in the center, next to the prostate gland (in pink).

 

Prostate Cancer Staging

13Staging is used to describe how far prostate cancer has spread (metastasized) and to help determine the best treatment.

  • Stage I: Cancer is small and still within the prostate.
  • Stage II: Cancer is more advanced, but still confined to the prostate.
  • Stage III: Cancer has spread to the outer part of the prostate and nearby seminal vesicles.
  • Stage IV: Cancer has spread to lymph nodes, nearby organs or tissues such as the bladder or rectum, or distant organs such as bones or lungs.

 

Prostate Cancer Survival Rates

14The good news about prostate cancer is that it usually grows slowly. And 9 out of 10 cases are found in the early stages. Overall, the 5-year relative survival rate is 100% for men with disease confined to the prostate or nearby tissues, and many men live much longer. When the disease has spread to distant areas, that figure drops to 28%. But these numbers are based on men diagnosed at least 5 years ago. The outlook may be better for men diagnosed and treated today.

 

Treatment: Watchful Waiting

15With low-risk cancer, one option is to watch and wait. This is determined by your biopsy, PSA test, and Gleason scores. Your doctor will order periodic testing. Other treatments — with the risk of sexual or urinary problems — may not be necessary. Some men who are older or have serious health conditions may not need treatment. However, more aggressive treatment is usually recommended for younger men or those with more aggressive disease.

 

Treatment: Radiation Therapy

16External beam radiation to kill cancer cells can be used as a first treatment or after prostate cancer surgery. It can also help relieve bone pain from the spread of cancer. In brachytherapy, tiny radioactive pellets about the size of a grain of rice are inserted into the prostate. Both methods can impair erectile function. Fatigue, urinary problems, and diarrhea are other possible side effects.

There are some centers that provide proton therapy (a form of radiation therapy) for prostate cancer.

Treatment: Surgery

Removing the prostate, or radical prostatectomy, is used to eliminate the cancer when it is confined to the prostate. New techniques use smaller incisions and seek to avoid damaging nearby nerves. If lymph nodes are also cancerous, prostatectomy may not be the best option. Surgery may impair urinary and sexual function, but both can improve over time.

 

Treatment: Hormone Therapy

17Hormone therapy may shrink or slow the growth of cancer, but unless it is used with another therapy it will not eliminate the cancer. Drugs or hormones block or stop the production of testosterone and other male hormones, called androgens. Side effects can include hot flashes, growth of breast tissue, weight gain, and impotence.

 

Treatment: Chemotherapy

18Chemotherapy kills cancer cells throughout the body, including those outside the prostate, so it is used to treat more advanced cancer and cancer that did not respond to hormone therapy.  Treatment is usually intravenous and is given in cycles lasting 3-6 months. Because the chemotherapy kills other fast-growing cells in the body, you may have hair loss and mouth sores. Other side effects include nausea, vomiting, and fatigue.

Treatment: Cryotherapy

19Cryotherapy freezes and kills cancerous cells within the prostate (like the highly magnified cells shown here.) It is not as widely used because little is known about its long-term effectiveness. It’s less invasive than surgery, with a shorter recovery time. Because the freezing damages nerves, as many as 80% of men become impotent after cryosurgery. There can be temporary pain and burning sensations in the bladder and bowel.

Treatment: Prostate Cancer Vaccine

20This vaccine is designed to treat, not prevent, prostate cancer by spurring your body’s immune system to attack prostate cancer cells. Immune cells are removed from your blood, activated to fight cancer, and infused back into the blood. Three cycles occur in one month. It’s used for advanced prostate cancer that no longer responds to hormone therapy. Mild side effects can occur such as fatigue, nausea, and fever.

 

Hope for Advanced Cancer

21Your doctor will continue to monitor your PSA levels and may perform other tests after treatment for prostate cancer. If it recurs or spreads to other parts of the body, additional treatment may be recommended. Lifestyle choices may matter, too. One study found that prostate cancer survivors who exercised regularly had a lower risk of dying, for example.

 

Coping With Erectile Dysfunction

22Erectile dysfunction (ED) is a common side effect of prostate cancer treatments. Generally, erectile function improves within two years after surgery. Improvement may be better for younger men than for those over age 70. You also may benefit from ED medications. Other treatments, such as injection therapy and vacuum devices, may help.

 

Food for Health

23A cancer-conscious diet may be the best choice for survivors who want to bolster their health and those hoping to lower their risk. That means:

  • Five or more fruits and veggies a day
  • Whole grains instead of white flour or white rice
  • Limit high-fat meat
  • Limit or eliminate processed meat (hot dogs, cold cuts, bacon)
  • Limit alcohol to 1-2 drinks per day (if you drink)

Foods high in folate may have some action against prostate cancer (such as spinach, orange juice, lentils). Studies found mixed results on lycopene, an antioxidant found in tomatoes.

 

Source- http://www.webmd.com/prostate-cancer/ss/slideshow-prostate-cancer-overview?ecd=wnl_men_012517&ctr=wnl-men-012517_nsl-ld-stry_1&mb=0Pr4CIOfW73AFmF7R4FSJeHnVev1imbCwl%2fJ9StOSgE%3d

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Participated in Vitafood Asia 2017

TEAM FENFURO is participating in Vitafoods Asia 2017. Please visit us at Booth No. E-29 at Sands Expo & Convention Centre at Marina Bay Sands in Singapore from 5-6 September, 2017vitafood asia

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Participating in Vitafoods Europe 2017

TEAM FENFURO is participating in Vitafoods Europe 2017. Please visit us at Booth No. J156 at Palexpo Geneva, Switzerland from 9 – 11 May 2017

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SPORTS & EXERCISE TO CONTROL BLOOD GLUCOSE

Maintaining the blood glucose levels under required range is always a difficult task for diabetic individuals. It is always under attention for diabetics to know what to do to keep the blood glucose (or sugar) in range, even under the most challenging circumstances.

There are many prevention and treatment strategies to lower the sudden hikes in the blood glucose levels, which are either suggested by the doctor or healthcare professional or practiced by the diabetic individual itself. The initial step taken by any diabetic individual is to increase the physical activity, which is also suggested by doctors. It is reported that physical activity contributes highly in maintaining blood glucose levels in the body.

HOW THE PHYSICAL ACTIVITY & BLOOD GLUCOSE LEVELS ARE LINKED?

  • Physical activity can lower the blood glucose for up to 24 hours or more after work out by making the body more sensitive to insulin.
  • Checking the blood glucose levels frequently before and after exercise can help to see the benefits of activity.
  • The results of blood glucose help to see how the body reacts to different activities.
  • Understanding these patterns can help to prevent the blood glucose from going too high or too low.

HOW PHYSICAL ACTIVITY ACT INSIDE BODY TO LOWER BLOOD GLUCOSE LEVELS?

Blood glucose levels are increased when either the insulin is not synthesized inside the body or the insulin is not responding to the blood glucose to transfer it to the cells (insulin resistance). Any of the two conditions can develop diabetes.1

During exercise, the demand for fuel increases inside the body and the body responds accordingly.

  • Glucose stored in the muscle is burned very quickly.
  • At about the same time, glucose stored in the liver is released into the bloodstream (like fast fuel injection).
  • Fat is released from special cells called adipocytes. This fat along with glucose makes its way through the bloodstream to the muscles to be used for fuel.
  • Once the fuel reaches the muscle, it must enter through special pathways so that the muscles can use it for energy.

By using the above given pathways, physical activity or exercise maintains blood glucose levels in any of the following ways:

  • Insulin sensitivity: Insulin sensitivity is increased with regular exercise, so the cells are better able to use available insulin to take up glucose during and after activity. This enhanced insulin sensitivity may continue for many hours after the exercise is over, depending on the extent of the activity. The more intense and prolonged the activity, the longer and greater the enhancement in insulin sensitivity.
  • Energy production: When the muscles contract during activity, it stimulates another mechanism that is completely separate of insulin. This mechanism allows the cells to take up glucose and use it for energy whether insulin is available or not.
  • Weight management: Exercise burns calories and builds muscles, which in turn helps the body burn more calories. In people with either type 1 or type 2 diabetes, having too much body fat inhibits insulin from working (to control blood glucose levels). To reach and maintain a healthy weight, just eating right isn’t enough – people need to exercise.

This is how exercise can help lower blood glucose in the short term. And when the body is active on regular basis, it can also lower the glycosylated hemoglobin.

CAREFUL SELECTION OF EXERCISE

Exercise to lower blood glucose levels should be chosen after complete advice from healthcare professional and after completely studying the pros & cons of that specific exercise.

  • Rise in blood glucose due to exercise: It has been suggested that instead of lowering blood glucose levels, some exercises or physical activities raise the glucose levels too.

Reason: It is not unusual to experience a blood glucose rise at the onset of high-intensity exercise. This is caused by a flow of stress hormones that oppose insulin’s action and cause the liver to dump extra glucose into the bloodstream. The supply of glucose becomes more than the requirement by the body. The muscles cannot burn the glucose as fast as the liver is producing it, resulting in increase in blood glucose levels.

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Exercises, which increase blood glucose levels

  • Weight lifting (particularly when using high weight and low repetitions)
  • Sports that involve intermittent “bursts” of activity like baseball or golf
  • Sprints in events such as running, swimming and rowing
  • Events where performance is being judged, such as gymnastics or figure skating
  • Sports activities in which winning is the primary objective
  • Fall in blood glucose due to exercise: Exercise contributes quite well in maintaining blood glucose in diabetic patients. Sometimes, the blood glucose levels fall more than the required levels. This can be understandable by concentrating the mechanism of lowering blood glucose by exercise.

Reason: The muscle cells have special receptors (called insulin receptors), like doors, that allow glucose to pass from the bloodstream to the muscle. These doors do not open unless they are unlocked by insulin. The good news is that exercise has an insulin-like effect, making insulin work better in the body. During physical activity, the doors swing open easily, allowing more and more glucose to enter the muscle cells to be burned up for energy. The problem is that as you continue to exercise and glucose continues to leave the blood, you may end up with low blood glucose. Thus, the exercise to lower or maintain glucose levels should be chosen after accurate advice from health professional.

Exercises, which maintain blood glucose levels

  • Aerobic exercise: 3Aerobic exercise helps the body to useinsulin  It makes the heart and bones strong, relieves stress, improves blood circulation and reduces the risk of heart disease by lowering blood glucose and blood pressure and improving cholesterol levels.

Recommendation: 30 minutes of moderate-to-vigorous intensity aerobic exercise at least 5 days a week or a total of 150 minutes per week is recommended to maintain blood glucose.

Aerobic exercises include brisk walking, indoor cycling, dancing, low-impact aerobics, swimming, tennis, stair climbing, jogging, hiking, ice-skating, etc.

  • Strength training: 4Strength training (also called resistance training) makes the body more sensitive to insulin and can lower bloodglucose. It helps to maintain and build strong muscles and bones, reducing the risk for osteoporosis and bone fractures. The more muscle you have, the more calories you burn – even when your body is at rest.

Recommendation: It is recommended that doing some type of strength training at least 2 times per week in addition to aerobic activity is helpful in maintaining blood glucose levels.

Some of the strength training activities include weight machines, lifting light weights, heavy gardening to keep & build muscles, etc.

  • Light activities: 5If you are sitting for a long time, such as working at a desk or watching TV, do some light activity for 3 minutes or more every half hour to maintain the blood glucose levels.

Light activities include leg lifts or extensions, overhead arm stretches, walking in place, torso twists, side lunges, etc.

Thus, moderate physical activity advised by health professional should be chosen to lower blood glucose levels. If you combine physical activity with a reduced-calorie eating plan, it can lead to even more benefits. The additional benefits may include improved cholesterol levels, less sleep apnea and being able to move around more easily.

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BE PHYSICALLY ACTIVE. BE PATIENT. BE DIABETES-FREE.

REFERENCES

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British Medical Journal Warns of The Dangers of Detox

The arrival of the New Year means that many adults across the world will make New Year’s Resolutions in order to inspire them to make lifestyle changes in 2017. Each year, for example, one in three Americans will make a resolution to better themselves in some way, although approximately 75% of these resolutions will be abandoned or fail. The most popular New Year’s resolutions focus on losing weight and living a more healthy lifestyle, which is why many adults choose to begin the New Year with a detox programme, in order to rid their bodies of all the excess toxins they have accumulated throughout the holiday season. However the British Medical Journal are now warning of the dangers of restrictive herbal detox, highlighting several cases where the dietary restrictions imposed by many detox programmes had led to seizures, hospitalization, and long term health problems. This is often as a result of dangerously low levels of sodium in the body caused by the detox restrictions, according to BBC news. The severely restrictive nature of many extreme detox programmes means that The British Dietetic Association does not encourage people to begin herbal detox programmes.

Natural Herbal Weight loss Alternatives

7The good news is, there is a better route to weight loss than through intensive (and now potentially dangerous) long term detoxification. Within our highly regarded range of supplements and nutraceuticals, we offer Furoslim Irvingia Gabonensis, which is a leptin regulator designed to counterbalance leptin resistance (which plays a major role in the development of obesity) Individuals who are resistant to leptin find it difficult to lose weight, which is why using a herbal supplement such as this one to stimulate the production of the leptin chemical can speed up the metabolism and prove to be a very useful weight loss tool. Of course it is important to acknowledge that there is no magic weight loss solution (either herbal or medical) that can work in isolation, and taking Furoslim works best in conjunction with a healthy diet and regular exercise, but when you choose to take this kind of weight loss supplement, you will see that your weight loss takes place on a significantly improved timescale, which should provide the motivation you need to stick with your programme. We recommend that individuals who choose to take Furoslim commit to doing so for a period of 10 weeks, in order for their Leptin sensitivity to develop and other lifestyle changes to begin having an impact.

Alternative Detoxification Programmes

If you are still keen to begin your new year with a detoxification programme then why not instead opt for a holistic detox, where the focus is on drinking more water (between 8-10 glasses a day) and removing processed and unhealthy foods from your diet, replacing them with nutrient rich fruits and vegetables instead. A holistic detox is a much more gentle concept where the focus is on improving your lifestyle without the assistance of herbs or any additional medical intervention. Individuals undergoing a holistic detox programme do so from the comfort of their own home, and replace their formerly unhealthy dietary choices with a range of rich vegetables such as cilantro, spinach, beets and other green leafy vegetables: these can either be eaten raw, lightly steamed, or blended to create a nutrient rich smoothie that really packs a punch. Provided that you do not place any extreme restrictions on your diet, and that your detoxification does not last more than seven days, there are no real health dangers associated with opting for a holistic detox, although many dietitians would suggest that simply changing your diet, living a healthier lifestyle and exercising more in the long term would be a better way to stimulate weight loss.

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Obesity is a dangerous health condition that can have a negative long term overall impact on your health: obesity can lead to heart disease, increase your likelihood of developing certain types of cancer, lead to the development of diabetes, and cause long term joint and muscle pain. If you are struggling to control your weight then any small steps you can take to begin your weight loss journey (whether that is to walk more, detox your diet or take a weight loss supplement) are likely to be positive for your long term health. Why not start your path towards improved health today?

Post written by Anne Creswell

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Launched New Product- GCB70 (Supports Healthy Metabolism)

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HIGH BLOOD SUGAR UNDER PREGNANCY: WHAT TO DO!

HEALTHY PREGNANCY for a woman is the one in which she keeps her blood glucose (sugar) levels in target range i.e. both before she is pregnant and during her pregnancy.

In any case, if a woman is planning to get pregnant, it is the best time to control the blood glucose levels before getting pregnant because high blood glucose levels are harmful for the baby during the first weeks of the pregnancy (even before knowing that you are pregnant). Babies born to women with diabetes, especially women with poor diabetes control are at greater risk for birth defects.

REQUIRED BLOOD GLUCOSE TARGET IN PREGNANCY

Before eating: 60-119 mg/dL
1 hour after meal: 100-149 mg/dL

IMPORTANCE OF PLANNING PREGNANCY IN DIABETES

If you have diabetes during pregnancy, you can still manage the situation by proper planning of your pregnancy. You need to pay special attention to your health and you may need to see doctors who specialise in treating diabetes or its complications.
Pregnancy causes a number of changes in the body, so it might be a requirement to change how you manage your diabetes. Even if the woman had diabetes for years, it may still be a requirement for changing the meal plan, physical activity routine and medicines. As the woman gets closer to the delivery date, the requirements might change again. Thus, planning of the pregnancy becomes a critical task in diabetes.

PREGNANCY COMPLICATIONS DURING DIABETES

As given above, there is a risk of birth defects in the babies born under diabetes. Other complications of high blood sugar before and during pregnancy are:

In mother:

Worsening of diabetic eye problem
Worsening of diabetic kidney problem
Infections of the urinary bladder & vaginal area
Preeclampsia (high blood pressure with proteins in the urine)
Difficult delivery or C-section

In baby:

Premature delivery
Birth defects involving weighing too much or too less or having breathing problems
Increased risk of losing baby through miscarriage
Glucose in a pregnant woman’s blood passes to the baby. If your blood glucose level is too high during pregnancy, so is your baby’s glucose level before birth. In some cases, it has also been seen that after delivery, the baby’s glucose level may drop quickly and go too low.
Prolonged jaundice (yellowing of skin)

LABORATORY EXAMINATIONS REQUIRED BEFORE PREGNANCY
(Under risk of diabetes)1

Examinations before pregnancy suggested by doctor includes:

HbA1c levels (glycosylated hemoglobin)
High blood pressure
Heart disease
Kidney, eye and nerve damage testing
Thyroid test

HEALTHCARE TEAM2

Medical team containing healthcare professionals of diabetes and pregnancy will ensure for the best care. This healthcare team may include:

Medical doctor:

You will need monitoring and advice on glucose control during and after your pregnancy.

Obstetrician-gynecologist:

Has experience treating women with diabetes. You will see your OB/GYN regularly throughout your pregnancy.

Nurse:

Who provides prenatal care and advice on managing diabetes.

Dietitian:

A registered dietitian to help with meal planning. A healthy diet for glucose control and nutrition has never been more important than now.

Psychologist:

To help you cope with stress, worry, and the extra demands of pregnancy.

Pediatrician:

Doctor who will care for children

OTHER CONSIDERATIONS FOR MANAGEMENT OF DIABETIC PREGNANCY3

Exercise:

Exercise as much as possible. Take 30 minutes of walk on regular basis. It will help to control your diabetes and will help to have healthy pregnancy as well.

Healthy lifestyle:

Along with getting your blood glucose levels in your target range, it is important to establish healthy lifestyle habits as well that will reduce the risk for complications and improve the health of the baby. For women with diabetes, this lifestyle change means an HbA1c as normal as possible (less than 7%), achieving or maintaining a healthy body weight, improving diet and exercise and having a pre-pregnancy exam.

Folic acid consumption:

Women with diabetes should take a higher dose of folic acid. The normal daily dose for women trying to get pregnant and for pregnant women is 400µg. It will prevent birth defects in the brain and spinal cord.

Simultaneous medications:

If you take drugs for conditions related to your diabetes, such as high blood pressure, these may have to be altered because they may interfere with the development of the baby inside the womb.

Monitoring:

Expect to monitor your blood glucose levels more frequently during pregnancy. Your eyes and kidneys will be screened more often to check they are not deteriorating in pregnancy, as eye and kidney problems can get worse.

Breastfeeding:

It is recommended to feed the baby after birth as soon as possible– within 30 minutes – to help keep the baby’s blood glucose at a safe level.

Risk of gestational diabetes:

About 4% of all pregnant women without preexisting diabetes will develop gestational diabetes sometime around the 28-week. Gestational diabetes occurs when the mother’s body becomes resistant to insulin, causing glucose levels to build up in the blood. As with type 1 and type 2 diabetes, high blood glucose levels can cause problems for both mother and baby. Women with gestational diabetes usually get a special meal plan and are encouraged to exercise; they also have to test their blood glucose and may need to inject insulin. Gestational diabetes usually goes away after pregnancy, but brings an increased risk for the condition in pregnancy.

Smoking:

Smoking is especially harmful for people with diabetes. Smoking can increase diabetes-related health problems such as eye disease, heart disease, kidney disease and amputations. If you smoke, talk with your doctor about how to quit.

Herbal Supplementation:

Fenfuro is a first of its kind patented and clinically evaluated supplement for effective management of blood glucose levels. FENFURO is a group of furostanolic saponins, derived from fenugreek seeds (Trigonella foenum graecum) by innovative process. One of the most important properties of fenugreek seed extract is blood sugar level (BSL) lowering property. Various studies have investigated blood cholesterol-lowering and blood glucose lowering properties of fenugreek seed extract. FENFURO contains a rich variety of saponins and flavonoids. All of these substances are known to lower blood lipid levels and play valuable role in glucose regulation.fenfuro@
Thousands of women each year are able to monitor diabetes in pregnancy. Remember to manage the glucose levels, prioritize proper nutrition and exercise and stay connected to healthcare team. Medically management of diabetes is the key to the success of pregnancy.

REFERENCES

https://medlineplus.gov/diabetesandpregnancy.html
http://www.webmd.com/diabetes/pregnancy-diabetes-and-pregnancy#1
http://americanpregnancy.org/pregnancy-complications/diabetes-during-pregnancy/
http://www.nhs.uk/conditions/pregnancy-and-baby/pages/diabetes-pregnant.aspx
https://www.niddk.nih.gov/health-information/diabetes/diabetes-pregnancy
http://www.diabetesforecast.org/2010/aug/a-guide-to-pregnancy-with-diabetes.html?referrer=https://www.google.co.in/?referrer=http://www.diabetesforecast.org/2010/aug/a-guide-to-pregnancy-with-diabetes.html?referrer=http://www.diabetesforecast.org/2010/aug/a-guide-to-pregnancy-with-diabetes.html?referrer=https://www.google.co.in/?referrer=http://www.diabetesforecast.org/2010/aug/a-guide-to-pregnancy-with-diabetes.html?referrer=https://www.google.co.in/?referrer=http://www.diabetesforecast.org/2010/aug/a-guide-to-pregnancy-with-diabetes.html

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DIABETES-INDUCED ERECTILE DYSFUNCTION

ERECTILE DYSFUNCTION (ED) is the inability to get or maintain an erection firm enough for sexual activities. In India, more than 10 million cases per year originate due to erectile dysfunction. It can cause stress, relationship strain and low self-confidence.

It can originate by poor long-term blood sugar control. Erectile dysfunction can also be linked to other conditions common in men with diabetes, such as high blood pressure and coronary artery disease.

PREVALENCE

An estimated 10% of men aged 40 to 70 years have severe ED, and another 25% have moderate erectile dysfunction. ED tends to become more common as men age, though it does not usually occur on aging.

For many men, other health conditions, such as diabetes, contribute to the likelihood of developing ED. The association between Diabetes and ED was first documented in 1978.

 

It is estimated that:

  • Men who have diabetes aretwo to three timesmore likely to develop erectile dysfunction (ED).
  • Abouthalf of the menwho are diagnosed with Type 2 diabetes will develop ED within 10 years of their diagnosis.
  • Adopting a healthier lifestyle may help reduce your risk.

DIAGNOSIS OF ERECTILE DYSFUNCTION

1

There are no formal tests to diagnose erectile dysfunction. Laboratory tests can help identify the causes of ED. Initial tests should include HbA1C, free testosterone, thyroid function tests and prolactin levels. However, patients who do not respond to pharmacological therapy or who may be candidates for surgical treatment may require more in-depth testing, including nocturnal penile tumescence testing, duplex Doppler imaging, somatosensory evoked potentials, or pudendal artery angiography.

REASON FOR ERECTILE DYSFUNCTION IN DIABETES

Diabetes is associated with many serious health complications. Erectile dysfunction is one of those complications, which originates mainly due to diabetic neuropathy. Diabetic neuropathy is a condition when high blood sugar levels causes nerve damage in various parts of the body such as hands, arms, legs and feet which results in pain, tingling or numbness.2

  • Damage to penile nerves: Diabetes can cause damage to nerves (neuropathy) throughout the body including the nerves to the penis. Damage to penile nerves can interfere with the body’s ability to send messages to and from the penis, which can lead to ED.
  • Narrowing or hardening of blood vessels: Diabetes can intensify a condition known as atherosclerosis, in which the blood vessels become narrow or harden. Narrowing or hardening of these blood vessels prevents blood flow into and out of the penis, which can cause ED.
  • Nitric oxide production: Men with diabetes need to control their blood sugar levels. The body is unable to produce required Nitric Oxide (NO) in the presence of high blood sugar levels and vascular tissues don’t respond as effectively to NO. When enough blood flows into the penis, penile veins close off and block the blood from flowing out. This process results in an erection. If the body becomes unable to produce required NO or if the penile tissues do not respond to NO, the pressure of the blood flowing into the penis is not sufficient to trap the blood and penis will not get hard, resulting in ED.
  • Testosterone deficiency: About 12% of men with diabetes have low levels of the male hormone testosterone, which is required for normal erectile function.

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TREATMENT STRATEGIES

Diabetes is a lifetime chronic health condition, though both Type 1 and Type 2 diabetes can be well controlled through medications, proper diet, and exercise. Although ED can become a permanent condition, this typically isn’t the case for men who experience occasional erectile difficulties.

  1. Lifestyle change

If a person has diabetes, he may still be able to overcome ED through a lifestyle change that includes sufficient sleep, no smoking and stress reduction. There are several lifestyle changes that a person can make to not only help with diabetes management, but also to lower the risk of ED. You can:

  • Blood sugar control through diet: 4Eating a diabetes-friendly diet will help to better control the blood sugar levels and lessen the amount of damage to the blood vessels and nerves. A proper diet geared at keeping the blood sugar levels in check can also improve the energy levels and mood, both of which can help reduce the risk of erectile dysfunction. It is also considered working with a dietitian who is also a certified diabetes educator to help adjust the eating style.
  • Reducing alcohol consumption: Drinking more than two drinks per day can damage the blood vessels and contribute towards ED. 5Being mildly intoxicated can also make it hard to achieve an erection and interfere with sexual function.
  • Stop smoking: Smoking narrows the blood vessels and decreases the levels of nitric oxide in the blood. This decreases blood flow to the penis, worsening erectile dysfunction.
  • Regular exercise: 6
  • Adding regular exercise to the routine not only helps to control the blood sugar levels, but it can also improve circulation, lower stress levels and improve the energy levels. All of these can help combat ED.
  • Get more sleep: Fatigue is often to blame for sexual dysfunction. Ensuring that you get enough sleep each night can lower the risk of ED.
  • Stress levels:Stress can interfere with sexual arousal and the ability to get an erection. 7Exercise, meditation and setting aside time to do the things that you enjoy can help to keep the stress levels down and lessen the risk of ED. If symptoms of anxiety or depression are starting to develop, consult the doctor.
  1. Oral medications:Erectile dysfunction medications include sildenafil (Viagra, Revatio), tadalafil (Cialis, Adcirca), vardenafil (Levitra, Staxyn) or Avanafil (Stendra). These pills can help ease the blood flow towards the penis, making it easier to get and keep an erection.

In some cases, these drugs may be unsuitable for patients with heart disease. If you are considering one of these drugs and you have heart disease, as many diabetics do, be sure to tell your doctor. In rare cases, the pills may create “priapism,” a prolonged and painful erection lasting six hours or more (although reversible with prompt medical attention).

Herbal supplementation: It has been observed that herbal supplements are proved to be safe and effective to treat erectile dysfunction. Chemforce is a strong dietary supplement for overall energy and vitality in men. Furosap®, the major ingredient in Chemforce has been clinically proven to manage testosterone deficiency in men and is supported by international patents. The active component i.e. protodioscin is known to increase the levels of the hormones such as testosterone, dihydrotestosterone and dehydroepiandrosterone. These improvements in the hormonal levels in men might be responsible to manage erectile dysfunction.

REFERENCES

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blog Diabetes Fenfuro Blogs

DIABETES CAN CAUSE DEPRESSION

DIABETES

Diabetes is a long-term condition that causes a person’s blood sugar level to become too high. It is a metabolic disease and chronic disorder, which results from defects in insulin secretion or action.

Insulin is a hormone, which is secreted by pancreas and lowers the blood glucose level in the body. When insulin secretion or action is disturbed, diabetes mellitus develops.

DEPRESSION

It is a mood disorder and serious medical illness, which can alter the person’s thoughts, behaviour, feelings and sense of well-being. It is a disorder of brain, which can happen at any age, especially in teens and adults.

World Health Organisation (WHO) describes depression as the major cause of disability, which is estimated to account for 12% of the global burden of disease. It is reported to affect approximately 450 million people.

RELATIONSHIP BETWEEN DIABETES AND DEPRESSION

Depression is a very drastic condition becoming common in the general population i.e. approximately 1 in 4 people experience depression in their life and people with diabetes are at more risk to develop depression i.e. up to 50% of people with diabetes are thought to have mental illness such as depression or anxiety. Depressive patients are also at higher risk of developing diabetes. It is also reported that untreated depression can make it difficult to manage diabetes.

CAUSES OF DEPRESSION IN DIABETES

  • The hardship of managing diabetes can be stressful and can lead to symptoms of depression.
  • Diabetes leads to many health complications that may worsen symptoms of depression.
  • Family history of either condition
  • Obesity
  • Hypertension
  • Inactivity
  • Coronary artery disease

According to the above data, the complications of diabetes are major reason behind the development of depression. By treating diabetes or its complications can help in the management of depression too.

SYMPTOMS OF DEPRESSION IN DIABETES

The diagnosis of depression in a diabetic individual is important, which can be done by monitoring the symptoms of depression. These include:

  • No longer finding pleasure in the activities that you once enjoyed
  • Experiencing insomnia or sleeping too much
  • Loss of appetite or binge eating
  • Inability to concentrate
  • Feeling lethargic
  • Feeling anxious or nervous all the time
  • Feeling isolated and alone
  • Feeling sadness in the morning
  • Feeling that you “never do anything right”
  • Having suicidal thoughts
  • Harming yourself

 MANAGEMENT OF DIABETES AND DEPRESSION TOGETHER

Diabetes self–management programs

Diabetes self assessment programs can focus on behaviour and help the people to improve their fitness levels and manage weight loss and other cardiovascular disease risk factors. These programs also improve the quality of life and sense of well being of the affected person.

Diabetes self-management strategies include:1

  • Monitoring blood glucose levels on regular basis
  • Monitoring weight gain/weight loss
  • Regular exercise or other physical activities
  • Healthy eating and planning of diet according to the blood glucose levels
  • Regularity with anti-diabetic medications
  • Consuming lesser carbohydrates2

Psychotherapy

Psychotherapy, particularly cognitive behavioral therapy reported to have improvements in depression patients, which has resulted in better diabetes management. Psychotherapy can be short term or long term.3

Goals of the psychotherapy include:

  • Recognition of potential triggers
  • Identification and replacement of unhealthy behaviors
  • Development of positive relationship of patient with others
  • To promote healthy problem-solving skills

Medication

  • Anti-diabetic medication: For treating depression raised from the diabetic complications, it is better to treat diabetes first. When the diabetes will be treated, depression will automatically be cured. It is better to consume herbal supplements, which can prevent and treat diabetes with much lesser complications.

One such anti-diabetic herbal supplement is Fenfuro. Fenfuro is clinically proven and supported by six international patents for effective and safe management of blood glucose levels.

If cognitive behavioural therapy and anti-diabetic supplementation is not sufficient for the treatment of depression, then, psychotherapist can be consulted to treat with anti-depressant medications. Psychotherapist can prescribe from any of the following anti-depressant categories:

  • Tricyclic anti-depressants: They work by boosting the levels of certain chemicals in the brain that help nerve cells to communicate with each other. If these chemicals are out of balance or don’t work like they should, messages might not make it through the brain correctly that can lead to depression.
  • Selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRI): They affect the way in which brain uses a chemical called serotonin. Changing the balance of this chemical may help the brain cells to receive messages better and boost mood.
  • Serotonin norepinephrine reuptake inhibitors (SNRI): They block the re-absorption of both serotonin and norepinephrine. Like SSRIs, they improve the way in which brain sends and receives messages.

These anti-depressants should only be consumed after consultation with psychotherapist. Some strong anti-depressants can cause diabetes. Due to this, doctors prescribe small doses initially and increase the dose on requirement.

 

REFERENCES

https://fenfuro.com/product/fenfuro/

Categories
blog Diabetes Fenfuro Blogs

Pushing diabetics to take insulin is a medical scam: Fiona Godlee

Pushing diabetics to take insulin is a medical scam: Fiona Godlee
With diabetes becoming such an epidemic in India, we need to look at the root causes and put money there rather than putting people on insulin.