In 2011, the American Diabetes Association (ADA) statistics indicating 13 million men in the United States are diagnosed with this condition. But compared to women, men are less likely to actively manage their overall health and seek routine treatment from a healthcare provider. However, there are a number of complications that can develop if finding the right diabetes treatment options are not pursued.
Who is at Risk?
Some men will receive the diagnosis of type 1 diabetes as a child, making them more aware of their disease and warning symptoms of hyperglycemia. But type 2 diabetes is on the rise, and some categories of men are placed at higher risk, including:
- Men over the age of 45, with risk rates rising again once the age of 60 is reached
- Men who have experienced weight gain or those who are obese
- Individuals with family members with either type of diabetes
- Specific ethnic backgrounds, with Hispanics being at highest risk
What Did You Say?
Are you or a loved one experiencing hearing loss as an individual symptom or combined with the other factors mentioned above? The National Institute of Health (NIH) has indicated there is a link between the development of diabetes and the loss of hearing. In fact, the decline of the ability to hear is twice as likely in a senior with diabetes, or if they are developing pre-diabetes.
Hearing loss may go unnoticed at first, or the individual may be in denial about the existence of the condition. If you are a loved one who notices these symptoms, encourage setting a doctor’s appointment and request a fasting blood sugar test to confirm or rule out the presence of type 2 diabetes.
Other Conditions Associated with Diabetes in Men
Because men are less likely to acknowledge “minor” symptoms such as hearing loss, it may be difficult to convince them to visit a physician. But before this disease is dismissed as being a sign of aging, there are other conditions and complications that can develop. If diabetes treatment options for men are not evaluated, risk factors that can increase include:
- Many men with type 2 diabetes also have OSA or Obstructive Sleep Apnea, a potentially dangerous or fatal condition where breathing stops during sleep
- Depression, diabetes and obesity are linked – and a combination of these conditions can cause non-compliance issues with treatment
- Lower levels of testosterone can develop with both forms of this diseases, but is more common in type 2
- Higher cholesterol in conjunction with diabetes can dramatically increase the risk of heart attack and stroke
Because of these risk factors and potentially dangerous conditions, it is essential men actively pursue diabetes treatment options including insulin therapy, oral medications and investigate alternatives (such as the insulin pump.) With routine monitoring, care and screening, this disorder can be easily controlled, and have a minimal impact on everyday living. See this post for our recommendation on an effective and affordable blood sugar monitor for use in the home.
