Men's Health Campaign Launched to Address Often Overlooked Physical,
Emotional and Sexual Issues Affecting Men with Diabetes
ALEXANDRIA, Va., Sept. 9 /PRNewswire/ -- In addition to dealing with
the day-to-day aspects of diabetes management that involve blood glucose,
nutrition and lifestyle management, men in the United States with diabetes
are also grappling with other physical, emotional and sexual health issues
according to survey findings released today by the American Diabetes
Association.
According to the research, only 30% of men surveyed claimed to know "a
lot" about their disease and only one quarter (25%) of men with diabetes
reported eating balanced and nutritious meals. Additionally, 60% of men
felt that more information could help them better manage their disease, and
65% felt more information could help them have more useful conversations
with their health care providers about their disease.
To respond to this need, the American Diabetes Association is launching
a national educational campaign to provide men with diabetes -- and their
spouses -- with information and resources to better manage their diabetes
and the array of other health conditions that can be associated with this
disease.
"The American Diabetes Association recognizes that there are many
information needs for people with diabetes; this program is a major step
toward filling in important gaps that specifically affect men. This
campaign offers enhanced information and tools to help men better
appreciate the importance of adopting a more comprehensive, or modern,
approach to managing their diabetes," said Richard M. Bergenstal, M.D.,
Vice President, Medicine & Science, American Diabetes Association. "These
survey results reinforce that there are many health issues associated with
diabetes that men currently overlook or aren't even aware of -- from
managing blood glucose, blood pressure and cholesterol to physical,
emotional, and sexual health issues such as erectile dysfunction and low
testosterone."
In an effort to bridge the communication gap between men with diabetes,
their health care providers, and significant others, the American Diabetes
Association has developed a campaign with a focus on challenging men to
take charge of their own health. Featuring a variety of new resources
specifically for men, the campaign includes The Modern Man's Guide to
Living Well with Diabetes handbook, an enhanced men's health section on the
American Diabetes Association Web site at diabetes.org/menshealth and a
public service announcement (PSA).
"Men can take small steps that can have a big impact on their ability
to better manage their diabetes," said Dr. Bergenstal. "Doing what they
know, like staying active, sticking to a healthful diet, learning about
increased risks for related conditions, and talking with a doctor if they
are suffering from bothersome symptoms, is the key to managing diabetes
today."
Of the nearly 24 million Americans diagnosed with diabetes, 12 million
are men. Many of these men are unaware that they are at an increased risk
for complications such as heart attack, stroke, blindness, disease and
amputation, as well as other conditions that affect their physical, sexual
and emotional health. In fact, the survey showed that men with type 2
diabetes and the wives of such men are mostly unknowledgeable about low
testosterone. With symptoms such as depressed mood, erectile dysfunction
and fatigue, men with low testosterone may feel too frustrated, unmotivated
or unaware to discuss disease-related complications with a doctor or loved
one, further diminishing their ability to take a proactive approach to
managing their disease.
Campaign Offers Support to Men with Diabetes
Committed to providing people with diabetes and their loved ones with
the most comprehensive and up-to-date information, the updated American
Diabetes Association men's health Web site (http://www.diabetes.org/menshealth)
now offers enhanced resources to aid and empower men with diabetes who are
seeking male-specific health information, including practical diet and
exercise tips, information about sleep apnea and other conditions and
information about physical, emotional and sexual health.
In addition to the availability of men's health-specific information
online, the campaign will kick off a cross-country tour via its national
Step Out: Walk to Fight Diabetes events this fall. As part of one of the
country's largest series of charitable walks, 20 cities will feature a new
Men's Health Corner booth where men and their spouses can speak with a
health representative about a variety of men's health issues.
The Modern Man's Guide to Living Well with Diabetes handbook, a
one-stop guide for men living with diabetes today, will also be available
at the 20 Step Out events, on the enhanced men's health Web site and by
calling 1-800-DIABETES. For more information about the campaign, its tools
and how you can get involved in a Step Out event in your city, visit
http://www.diabetes.org/menshealth.
About the Survey
The American Diabetes Association survey of 1,000 men with type 2
diabetes, age 40-60, and 1,000 female spouses of men with the disease
assessed their knowledge of type 2 diabetes in general and its
complications. The online survey also explored respondent's opinions about
their overall quality of life and current approach to managing their
disease. Results showed that men with type 2 diabetes know the proper
things to do to better manage their condition, but are not doing them.
Fewer than half of their wives think their spouses are actively engaging in
activities such as physical exercise, reducing stress or maintaining a
positive attitude that would help in the management of their type 2
diabetes. Results also found that the majority of men surveyed (79%) think
a walking program in which the number of steps was recorded each day would
be a beneficial tool to manage their condition.
Additional findings include:
-- Men with type 2 diabetes were likely to get less enjoyment out of
life, and say that the disease has negatively impacted their sex lives.
-- These men also said they noticed a recent deterioration in their
work performance.
-- Six in 10 men say that knowing more would help them better manage
their condition
-- More than one-third of men surveyed are experiencing four or more
symptoms associated with low testosterone, but surprisingly, 66% of this
high-risk group admitted to knowing little -- if nothing at all -- about
the condition.
About Diabetes
Diabetes is a disease in which the body does not produce or properly
use insulin. Insulin is a hormone that is needed to convert sugar, starches
and other food into energy needed for daily life.
There are 23.6 million children and adults in the United States, or
7.8% of the population, who have diabetes. While an estimated 17.9 million
have been diagnosed with diabetes, unfortunately, 5.7 million people (or
nearly one quarter) are unaware that they have the disease. Type 2 diabetes
is the most common form of diabetes in the United States, accounting for
90% to 95% of all diagnosed cases of diabetes. While diabetes occurs in
people of all ages and races, some groups have a higher risk for developing
type 2 diabetes than others. For example, type 2 diabetes is more common in
African Americans, Latinos/Hispanics, Native Americans, and Asian
Americans/Pacific Islanders. Type 2 diabetes is also most common in adults
over 45, though the prevalence in younger people is on the rise.
About the American Diabetes Association
The American Diabetes Association is leading the fight against the
deadly consequences of diabetes and fighting for those affected by
diabetes. The Association funds research to prevent, cure and manage
diabetes; delivers services to hundreds of communities; provides objective
and credible information; and gives voice to those denied their rights
because of diabetes. Founded in 1940, our mission is to prevent and cure
diabetes and to improve the lives of all people affected by diabetes. For
more information please call the American Diabetes Association at
1-800-DIABETES (1-800-342-2383) or visit http://www.diabetes.org. Information from
both these sources is available in English and Spanish.
The campaign and survey were funded, in part, through a charitable
contribution from Solvay Pharmaceuticals, Inc.
Media Note Electronic Press Kit: http://www.firstlinemedia.com/ada/
SOURCE American Diabetes Association
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Related links:
http://www.diabetes.org
http://www.diabetes.org/menshealth
CONTACT:
Diane Tuncer, +1-703-549-1500 ext. 5510; or
Sarah Bradley, +1-703-549-1500 ext. 2231, both of American
Diabetes Association
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