Can Type 1 Diabetes Be Reversed?

Individuals with Type 2 diabetes are fortunate in that it's possible, with diet and lifestyle changes, to actually reverse the course of the disease. Even if they're unable to reverse Type 2, it's possible for them to avoid going on insulin by losing weight, watching carbs, and getting moderate exercise.

Those with Type 1, however, can't change the reality that they'll always need to take insulin since their bodies no longer make it. Or can Type 1 diabetes ever be reversed?

Very preliminary experiments suggest that it might in fact be possible to reverse Type 1 with an inexpensive vaccine that keeps the immune system from attacking pancreatic cells, reports the Los Angeles Times. Studies in mice already had documented the effectiveness of the tuberculosis vaccine known as BCG in Type 1 diabetes. That vaccine was shown to prevent T cells from attacking the insulin-secreting cells in the pancreas. In mice that got the vaccine, the pancreas began to regenerate and to produce insulin once again, effectively "curing" the mice of their diabetes.

An immune system protein called tumor necrosis factor (TNF) is pivotal in the research. When blood levels of TNF are increased, studies show, the protein blocks other areas of the immune system that attack the body, particularly the pancreas.

Researchers report that humans who got low doses of the vaccine began to demonstrate transient increases in insulin production. At Massachusetts General Hospital, medical experts are getting ready to try higher doses of the vaccine in larger groups of people.

The research is intriguing: if the vaccine works, even those who've had Type 1 diabetes for awhile might have their pancreas function restored, reports the Los Angeles Times. That depends, of course, on whether it's possible to block the beta cell-destroying parts of the immune system. "It's fascinating research," says Spyros Mezitis, MD, Ph.D., endocrinology consultant at Lenox Hill Hospital in New York City. "It's changing the way we think about Type 1 diabetes."

Further experiments are needed with more individuals who have Type 1 diabetes, Mezitis says. "And higher doses of BCG tuberculosis vaccine are needed to confirm these important results," he adds.

Immunology expert Eva Mezey, MD, who directs the adult stem-cell unit at the National Institute of Dental and Craniofacial Research, called the study results "fascinating and very promising," according to the Los Angeles Times. She noted, though, that only a small number of patients had gotten good results, and that vaccinations would most likely need to be repeated on a regular basis.

Source:

Maugh, Thomas H. "Research shows promise in reversing Type 1 diabetes." 25 June 2011. Los Angeles Times.
http://articles.latimes.com/2011/jun/25/health/la-he-bcg-diabetes-20110625

Erectile Dysfunction: Myths vs. Facts

If you think erectile dysfunction (ED) strictly affects the aging population, think again. As it turns out, ED affects up to 30 million males of all ages in the United States each year, according to the National Institutes of Health (NIH).

Although it was once a taboo subject, men are more willing to discuss and seek treatment for the condition today. Of course, understanding the facts is a critical component of treating and preventing ED. Here, we debunk the most common myths about the condition.

Erectile dysfunction is strictly a physical problem.
Although the majority of diagnosed ED cases are a result of physical diseases that cause damage to nerves, fibrous tissues, and arteries (such as diabetes, MS, vascular disease, and neurological disease), experts theorize that up to 20 percent of ED cases are due to anxiety, stress, depression, and other psychological factors, according to the National Kidney and Urologic Disease Information Clearinghouse (NIDDK). One of the most common psychological causes of erectile dysfunction is performance anxiety that may result after several failed attempts at intercourse. The anxiety may increase, leading to more failed attempts, ultimately resulting in a cycle of anxiety and sexual failure. Erectile dysfunction should just be accepted as a natural part of the aging process.
The incidence of erectile dysfunction certainly increases with age, but it is in no way an inevitable part of the aging process. Changes in erections and in the amount of time it takes to achieve one are normal signs of aging and should not be confused with ED, which is the repeated inability to get or keep an erection firm enough for sexual intercourse. Lifestyle changes, such as quitting smoking, exercising regularly, avoiding excessive alcohol consumption, and carefully monitoring chronic illnesses, like kidney disease or diabetes, can help decrease your risk of developing ED. Erectile dysfunction will go away naturally.
ED is treatable at any age, and increasing numbers of men are becoming aware of this fact. Treatment options are available, regardless of whether the cause is found to be physical or psychological. In some cases, surgery may be an option. However, there are many non-surgical treatments available, most of which work by increasing blood flow to the penis. The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has approved oral drugs, such as Cialis and Viagra, as one type of treatment. In addition, devices such as vacuums and implants are available. Some people have found success with sex therapy or herbal remedies. In other cases, properly managing the underlying disease or substituting certain prescription medications resolves the problem. Oftentimes, a man suffering from ED simply needs to eat better, exercise, and quit smoking in order to eliminate the condition. Alcohol makes you more relaxed and can increase your ability to maintain an erection.

While small amounts of alcohol can lower your inhibitions, heavy drinking can depress your central nervous system and lead to vascular problems, actually increasing your risk for erectile dysfunction.

Men under the age of 40 don't have to worry about erectile dysfunction.

Although ED is most common in men 65 and older, it can occur at any age. Statistics show that the majority of men experience erectile problems at some point in their lives, and 10 percent of the entire male population has persistent ED, according to the American Medical Association. Because diseases such as diabetes and heart disease interfere with blood flow and increase the incidence of developing ED, men who develop these conditions, no matter how young they may be, are more likely to experience erectile dysfunction.

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Surprise! This Could Cause Erectile Dysfunction

Men who have long enjoyed a normal sex life may be unpleasantly surprised when sex suddenly gets a lot less sexy. An estimated 30 million men suffer from erectile dysfunction (ED) which is the inability to maintain an erection.

In the great majority of these cases, ED is temporary and often caused by an underlying problem such as artherosclerosis (hardening of the arteries), diabetes and other vascular problems. But ED may also  the result of little-known side effects of many common prescription and over-the-counter medications (OTC).  

Some unlikely culprits include propecia (a prescription drug for baldness) and non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs often found in OTC cold medicines and allergy remedies as well as ibuprofen and naproxen (Aleve) taken for pain relief.

One Finnish Study published in the May 2009 Journal of Urology linked ED to NSAIDs giving many men reason to pause. The study of more than 1,100 Finnish men between the ages of 50 and 70 found that ED was significantly higher among NSAID users than non-users. Arthritis pain relief was cited as the most common reason for using these drugs. (Note: ED is known to occur more frequently among arthritis sufferers, even those who don't take NSAIDs.)

Other common medications that can lead to ED include diuretics, antihistamines, Parkinson's disease medications, sedatives, muscle relaxants, certain cardiac medications, hormones, certain cancer drugs, chemotherapy medications, certain anti-seizure medications and drugs used to treat high blood pressure and depression.

Overweight men are at increased risk of developing ED as well as men who abuse illegal drugs and alcohol. In many cases, ED is the result of stress and relationship conflict.

If you are experiencing ED and believe it's being caused by a medication you are using, don't stop taking the drug. Contact your doctor or pharmacist who make be able to prescribe something else. Or, get a referral to a urologist who is a specially-trained doctor in problems associated with male sex organs.

There are many myths surrounding ED and its causes. One is that ED is an unavoidable consequence of aging. ED is never normal-regardless of age. Wearing tight underwear also does not cause ED (though it may contribute to a low sperm count).

Because ED is such a common problem, there are many treatment options with a high rate of success for sufferers. Most doctors will prescribe an oral medication as a first step. Drugs like Viagra (sildenifil), Cialis (tadalifil), and Levitra (vardenafil) are well known and have helped millions of men. These medications allow erections to occur by increasing blood flow, but a degree of sexual stimulation is required for them to work.

Therapy, penile injections, and penile implant surgery are other options. Penile implant surgery involves the insertion of two fluid-filled penile cylinders and a manually-operated scrotum pump.

Be prepared to be bombarded with tons of information about nutritional supplements, herbal remedies and other non-medical treatment options including acupuncture if you decide to research the problem online. However, the best place to start is your doctor's office.

Sources:
Glickman Urological Institute at the Cleveland Clinic
http://my.clevelandclinic.org/disorders/erectile_dysfunction/urology_overview.aspx

AmericanAcademy of Family Physicians
http://www.aafp.org/afp/2003/0701/p93.html" http://www.aafp.org/afp/2003/0701/p93.html (July 2003)

American Urological Association
http://www.auanet.org

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