Men's Health

Diabetes

Men's Health Home > Top 10 Health Concerns of Men > Diabetes

Diabetes means your body has lost its main source of fuel. The body cannot survive without fuel. Diabetes is a condition in which the pancreas, a little organ near the stomach that produces insulin (a hormone), can't make enough insulin or the body can't use the insulin properly. Insulin is important because it helps get glucose (a sugar that comes from most of the foods we eat) into our cells for energy. With diabetes, glucose builds up in the blood instead of being used for energy. Diabetes is a serious and growing problem.

An estimated one-third of men with type 2 diabetes (most common form of diabetes) don't know they have it. Many are unaware of the disease until they develop problems such as impotence (erectile dysfunction), vision loss, or kidney disease.

Some preventive measures you can take:

• Eat a varied diet rich in fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and low-fat foods.
• Get at least 30 minutes of exercise most days of the week.
• Get your blood sugar level checked regularly, as advised by your doctor.
• Know your family's diabetes history and discuss it with your doctor.

Additional Information on Diabetes:

Current as of June 2007