RESUMO
BACKGROUND: Pre-diabetes is a disturbing trend in the population, who are at risk of developing type-two diabetes. The aim of this study was to determine the effects use of Aloe vera in different doses on glucose and lipid profile in pre-diabetic subjects. METHODS: This study was a double blind randomized controlled trial (72 subjects) with pre-diabetes symptoms in 3 groups consumed capsules twice a day: Aloe vera 300 mg (AL300), 500 mg (AL500) and placebo (PL). Fasting blood glucose (FBS), HbA1C and lipid profile were evaluated in baseline, 4 or 8 weeks. On-way ANOVA, Friedman, Wilcoxon, Kruskal-Wallis , Mann-Whitney and Chi-square tests were used for within or between groups statistical analysis. RESULTS: FBS level in group AL300, showed significantly decreased in fourth week after the intervention, compared to PL in the same time (p = 0.001). Also, HbA1C level in this group at the eighth week after the intervention (p = 0.042), had a significant decrease. The levels of Total cholesterol and LDL-C, only in the group AL500 (p < 0.001 and p = 0.01), was significantly reduced, along with HDL-C level improvement just after eight weeks (p = 0.004). Triglyceride level showed a significant decrease (p < 0.045) just after four weeks use of AL500. CONCLUSIONS: The Use of Aloe vera extract in pre-diabetic patients, could revert impaired blood glucose within four weeks, but after eight weeks could alleviate their abnormal lipid profile.
RESUMO
BACKGROUND: Erectile dysfunction (ED) is one of the important complications in diabetic patients. Various factors trigger the onset and intensity of erectile dys-function. This study was done to determine the prevalence of erectile dysfunction and some associated factors among type II-diabetic patients in Birjand, Iran. METHODS: In this cross-sectional study, which was carried out in Birjand during 2008 and 2009, 171 male diabetic patients aged 29 to 76 years who were sex-ually active and had no history of prostate surgery were included. Data on demographic characteristic and history of diabetes was collected using a questionnaire. International Index of Erectile Dysfunction-5 and Beck's standard questionnaire were used to determine erectile dysfunction and depression, respectively. Data were analyzed using multiple statistical tests including chi square, t-test, and logistic regression. RESULTS: The mean age of study population was 52.78 [95% CI: 51.25, 54.32] years (range between 29 to 76 years) and 43.3% of individuals were under 50 years. ED was diagnosed in 140 out of 171 (81.9%) diabetic patients. ED was mild in 28 (20%) subjects, moderate in 66 (47.1%), and sever in 46 (32.9%). Suffering from Long-term of diabetes (P<0.001), progressive depression (P<0.001), increased level of HbA(1)c (P<0.001), and decreased level of HDL (P<0.001) were among the most related factors with ED. CONCLUSION: The prevalence of ED is high among diabetic patients. Control of the disease and its relevant risk factors might be helpful in decreasing sexual dysfunction in diabetic patients.
