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Depression a risk factor for ED in diabetic men
NEW YORK (Reuters Health) – Among men with type 2 diabetes, depressive symptoms represent the most important factor contributing to the risk of erectile dysfunction (ED), according to investigators in Italy and in California. Other modifiable risk factors also play a part, they report.

In fact, the authors point out, there appears to be a vicious cycle, in which depression may instigate the development of ED, while the ED symptoms perpetuate the symptoms of depression. Thus, ED in diabetic patients is not related entirely to organic factors.

Dr. Antonio Nicolucci, from Consorzio Mario Negri Sud in S. Maria Imbaro in Italy, and his associates point out that, as the incidence of diabetes grows, prevention of ED will require strategies that address modifiable risk factors. Source

Diabetes pain drug may impair sugar control
NEW YORK (Reuters Health) – The drug duloxetine is useful in treating diabetes-related pain, but it may worsen control of blood sugar levels, according to a report in the journal Diabetes Care.

Duloxetine is one of only two drugs approved for the treatment of diabetic peripheral neuropathic pain (DPNP), a common problem in diabetic patients, the authors explain. However, it was unclear whether the drug affects sugar control.

Dr. Thomas Hardy from Eli Lily, Indianapolis, and colleagues pooled data from three clinical trials to investigate changes in weight, sugar levels, and cholesterol levels in patients with DPNP treated with duloxetine.

Short-term treatment with duloxetine was associated with a modest increase in fasting sugar levels, the authors report, but not with significant increases in hemoglobin A1c, a measure of long-term sugar control. With longer treatment, however, there was a significant rise in hemoglobin A1c, indicating impaired sugar control. Source

Xenical may help deter onset of Diabetes

The journal Diabetes Care reports obese adults who lost a substantial amount of weight through lifestyle modification and dieting regained less weight when they took the diet drug Xenical, This approach was also associated with a reduced occurrence of type 2 diabetes.Xenical burns fat while you are eating by inhibiting the absorption of dietary fat from your food.

Studies have shown that the drug promotes more weight loss than lifestyle modification alone. The study examined the effectst of Xenical in preventing weight regain in 383 obese adults who had lost an average of 31.7 pounds (14.4 kg) on an 8-week protein-rich, very-low-energy diet.

The 309 participants who lost 5% or more of their bodyweight then received lifestyle counseling for 3 years while taking either Xenical or a placebo pill daily. Both groups regained some weight. Xenical patients regained an average of 10 pounds, while placebo patients put back an average of 15 pounds.  Source: the Diabetes Blog

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Resources:
dLife; About Diabetes.com; American Diabetes Association

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Diabetes; Health News