According to one online report, Men with diabetes suffer more from some diabetes-related health problems than women.

In people who develop diabetes before the age of 30, men develop retinopathy (a vision disorder that can lead to blindness) more quickly than women.

According to the American Diabetes Association Having the main symptoms of peripheral vascular disease - pain in the thigh, calf, or buttocks during exercise; cramps; change in temperature; sores that don’t heal, swelling; is linked to a two- to three-fold increased risk of coronary heart disease, stroke, or cardiac failure in men with diabetes.

Amputation rates from diabetes-related problems are 1.4 to 2.7 times higher in men than women with diabetes.

Men with diabetes also face special concerns like impotence.  They can help prevent impotence by controlling blood sugar levels, not worrying (fear of becoming impotent can sometimes be the cause), no drinking large amounts of alcohol, which can cause impotence, no smoking (smoking causes blood vessels to narrow, which can lead to impotence).

The American Diabetes Association hopes to bring awareness of diabetes in men and women through their annual programs and events.  Saturday, May 8th, they’re hosting the Tour de Cure and Central Arkansas Diabetes Walk at Murray Park.  The Tour kicks off at 6:30 with registration.  The Walk starts at 10am.  All monies raised helps fund programs for those suffering from diabetes.

For more information on the Walk and Tour de Cure, call 501-221-7444.

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Stefanie Bryant