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  • 台灣國旗
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  Why Does High Blood Sugar Cause Male Infertility? Medical Experts Explain the Key Reasons

  Studies on diabetes's impact on male reproductive capacity are increasing, with substantial evidence suggesting that poor blood sugar control can lead to male infertility. Taiwanese health authorities report 25,000 new diabetes patients annually, with 11.8% being adults aged 18 and above. Dr. Huang Shang-yu of Lin-kou Chang-Geng Hospital emphasizes that diabetes, beyond its association with stroke and cardiovascular disease, significantly affects male reproductive function.Multifaceted Effects of Diabetes on Sperm and Sexual FunctionResearch indicates that diabetes can decrease sperm count and motility, potentially leading to oligospermia and azoospermia. A study by Queen's University Belfast found that the semen quality of diabetic men is generally lower than that of healthy men, and their semen contains higher white blood cell counts, indicating potential chronic inflammation. Furthermore, high blood sugar can cause mitochondrial dysfunction in sperm, leading to increased oxidative stress that damages sperm DNA, affecting embryo development and health.Diabetes may lead to a decrease in sperm count and motility. (Image/Provided by Heho Health)Impact AreasSemen Quality: Diabetic patients show significant decreases in sperm concentration, motility, and normal morphology.Sexual Dysfunction: Sexual nerve damage may result in erectile dysfunction or inability to ejaculate.Chronic Inflammation: High blood sugar increases the risk of inflammation in the prostate and seminal vesicles, further disrupting ejaculatory function.Medical Advice: Male Fertility EvaluationDr. Huang recommends that men suspecting diabetes-related infertility undergo professional evaluation, including:Semen Analysis: Testing sperm concentration, motility, and morphology.Sperm Function Tests : Assessing sperm fertilization capacity.Sexual Function Examination: Evaluating erectile function and sexual activity.Genetic Testing: Examining chromosomal and DNA damage levels.Older men have fewer sperm, and their sperm movement often follows curved trajectories. (Source: Maosheng Hospital)Sperm DNA damage testing is a recent technology that can predict embryo development outcomes and improve fertility success rates. Diabetic patients should actively manage blood sugar and adopt early preventive and therapeutic measures to reduce the risk of infertility and maintain their own and their offspring's health.

  2024-12-20 09:05
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  • 菲律賓國旗

  Cubans crawl on rough roads to ask for good fortune

  Each year on December 17, thousands of Cubans honor St. Lazarus, the patron saint of the poor and the sick, with one of Cuba’s largest and most vibrant religious processions. Pilgrims crawl, walk barefoot, or even carry heavy burdens for miles to El Rincón church in Havana, seeking blessings and miracles.This tradition highlights the resilience of faith in Cuba, a nation officially secular but deeply spiritual. Many devotees blend Catholicism with Santería, a syncretic religion rooted in African Yoruba traditions. St. Lazarus, known for granting health and healing, is revered by both Catholics and Santería followers, despite tensions between the two faiths.A pilgrim accepts water from medics as he crawls backwards to honor St. Lazarus. Patrick Oppmann/CNNAmid worsening economic conditions, including blackouts and mass emigration, faith remains a source of hope for Cubans like Fernando Valdez, who has walked barefoot for 27 years in devotion to St. Lazarus.“Faith gives us a reason to live,” Valdez says. For many Cubans, it’s their guiding light through life’s challenges, offering strength in a time of uncertainty and economic hardship.

  2024-12-27 09:00
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  • 台灣國旗
  • 越南國旗
  • 泰國國旗
  • 印尼國旗
  • 菲律賓國旗

  Psoriatic Arthritis Patients Should Aim for 'Targeted Therapy'

  Psoriatic arthritis patients not only endure the visible discomfort caused by skin lesions but may also face swelling and pain in the fingers, toes, and limb joints, with a potential risk of joint deformities. Dr. Chiu Ying-Ming, a rheumatologist at China Medical University Hospital, explains that psoriatic arthritis is caused by an imbalance in the immune system. While it is difficult to cure, "targeted therapy" can provide effective control. This approach emphasizes active communication between patients and physicians, setting phased treatment goals, and promptly adjusting the treatment plan if the goals are not met, striving for optimal results.Psoriasis is a condition caused by an imbalance in the body's immune system. (Image/Provided by Heho Health)With advances in medicine, there are now more treatment options for psoriatic arthritis, ranging from topical ointments to physical therapy for symptom relief. However, since the root cause lies in the immune system's excessive inflammatory response, it is essential to address the inflammation at its source. In recent years, biologics have become a key treatment option for autoimmune diseases, effectively suppressing specific inflammatory factors. These treatments not only improve skin lesions but also alleviate arthritis symptoms, with some patients achieving PASI 100—complete clearance of skin lesions.Dr. Chiu shared the success story of a psoriatic arthritis patient whose skin lesions completely disappeared after using second-generation biologics, achieving PASI 100 and returning to pre-disease skin conditions. This transformative result restored the patient's confidence. Dr. Chiu emphasized that patients should not settle for their current treatment outcomes but should maintain close communication with their doctors, set progressive treatment goals, and strive for better results to improve their quality of life.Before and after psoriasis treatment. (Image/Provided by Heho Health)For psoriatic arthritis patients, managing overall health in daily life is as crucial as medication. Physicians advise patients to actively adhere to treatment and attend regular follow-ups. By making adjustments based on disease progression, patients can achieve optimal control of their condition.Source: Heho Health (authorized use)

  2024-12-19 09:05