Sexual dysfunction among Jordanian men with diabetes

To estimate the prevalence and severity of erectile dysfunction [ED] and its correlations among Jordanian men with diabetes. We conducted this study at the National Center for Diabetes, Endocrinology and Genetics, Amman, Jordan, between January and August 2004. The study included 988 married diabetic men. Patients were interviewed by one of our medical staff based on a health care questionnaire and an Arabic translation of the 15-item International Index of Erectile Function. Scores of the questions in each of the 5 sexual function domains were summed up. Dysfunction was categorized as absent, mild, moderate or severe. The overall prevalence of ED was 62%; and we found that 30.3% had severe ED. The prevalence increased with age from 26.5% [13 out of 49] of patients <40 years of age to 91% [87 out of 96] in the age group >/= 70 years. Severity of ED increased with age as well. Multivariate logistic regression analysis identified age, glycemic control, hypertension, coronary artery disease, retinopathy and neuropathy as independent risk factors of ED. Among patients with ED, 7% reported having treatment for ED. Prevalence of ED among Jordanian diabetic patients is high. It increases with age and poor glycemic control. Other independent risk factors include: hypertension, coronary artery disease, retinopathy and neuropathy.

Effects of short term metformin administration on androgens in diabetic men.

Metformin, an oral hypoglycemic agent, has several other metabolic and hormonal effects. This study aims at identifying the metabolic effect of metformin on androgens in diabetic men. The study was conducted at The National Center for Diabetes Endocrinology and Genetics, Jordan University Hospital, Amman, Jordan from April 2001 to September 2001. We studied 15 men with type 2 diabetes mellitus by measuring fasting serum glucose, insulin, glycosylated hemoglobin, total and free testosterone, sex hormone binding globulin, dehydroepiandrosterone sulphate, 17-OH progesterone, luteinizing hormone, and follicle stimulating hormone before and after a short course of metformin. There was a significant decrease in fasting serum glucose and glycosylated hemoglobin and increase in the level of 17-OH progesterone. The remainder of the measured parameters did not show any significant change. Although serum glucose and glycosylated hemoglobin decreased insulin levels were not changed. In contrast to normal men there was no change in androgen levels in diabetics but the 17-OH progesterone was elevated

Prevalence and predictors of diabetic foot syndrome in type 2 diabetes mellitus in Jordan

To detect feet changes and to identify risk factors leading to amputation among type 2 diabetics. A total of 1142 patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus; 595 males [52%], and 547 females [48%] were seen between January and December 2001 at the National Center for Diabetes, Endocrinology, and Genetics [NCDG] Amman, Jordan. The mean age was 56.1 years [SD=10.2] and the mean duration of diabetes was 9 years [SD=7.1]. All patients had a complete medical assessment including history, physical examination, glycosylated hemoglobin [HbA1c] [the mean of the last 4 readings] and microalbuminuria. Statistical analysis were performed to identify significant risk factors leading to amputation using Epi info, version 6 software. Mean HbA1c was 7.4% [SD=1.4]. The prevalence of hypertension was 52%, retinopathy 45% and microalbuminuria 33%. Impaired vibration, position and protective sense were found in 19%, 13%, and 18%. The prevalence of all amputations was 5%. The following were strong predictors of amputation; duration of diabetes [P= 0.04], smoking [P=0.01], microalbuminuria [P=0.02], retinopathy [P=0.008], legs hair loss [P=0.003], neurological deficit [P=0.0001], ulceration [P=0.00001] absent dorsalis pedis [P=0.0006] and insulin therapy [P=0.0001]. The rate of amputation was directly proportional to high HbA1c >= 8% [P=0.01]. Age and gender were not found to have an impact on prevalence of amputation. Prevalence of amputation correlates with duration of diabetes, poor glycemic control, smoking, neurological impairment, peripheral vascular disease and microalbuminuria