Diabetes and impotence
Written by: Dr. Rowena | Posted: Feb 04 2009
Q: I’m 72 years old, strong and still working as a music teacher. I take 1000 mg metformin for diabetes, eat well, weigh 198 lbs. What is causing my impotence? Is it just age related?
A: Since you are on metformin, I am assuming you are diabetic. Even though you are strong, you have a sedentary occupation. You didn’t give your height but most people who weigh 198 pounds are at least overweight if not obese. Based on this, it is likely your impotence is caused by vascular damage from uncontrolled diabetes. Please accept my apology if this is not the case. Uncontrolled diabetes combined with obesity greatly increases the risk of a heart attack. I’d suggest that you speak to your doctor who knows your personal medical history.
Tags: Diabetes, heart attack, impotence, metformin, obesity, overweight, Sex, uncontrolled diabetes, vascular damageHelp with sleep apnea
Written by: Dr. Rowena | Posted: Oct 02 2008
Q: I have Sleep Apnea, but cannot afford to buy a CPAP machine. Is there anything else to help Sleep Apnea?
A: Sometimes not sleeping on your back will help. People have come up with clever ways to keep from rolling over onto their backs such as sewing tennis balls onto the back of their pajamas. If you are overweight, losing weight will help. You also might want to consider wearing an oral appliance. Depending on the type you need, this solution may be less expensive than a CPAP machine. Most health insurance plans cover CPAP machines provided they are felt to be medically necessary. For more information about sleep apnea and treatment options click here.
Tags: apnea, CPAP, overweight, Sleep, Sleep & Sleep ApneaGlycemic index of foods
Written by: Dr. Rowena | Posted: Apr 19 2007
Q: How does weight figure in to high blood pressure? Where can I get info on glycemic index in various foods?
A: Being overweight is a risk factor for the development of high blood pressure. Losing weight can return blood pressure to normal. The University of Sydney provides a searchable database of the glycemic index of foods here.
Tags: blood pressure, Diet & Exercise, glycemic, glycemic index, high blood pressure, overweight, weight loss
