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NDTV
5 days ago
- Health
- NDTV
High Blood Sugar Can Affect Your Sex Life, Research Reveals
A recent research presented at the ENDO 2025 revealed that high blood sugar levels can impact men's sexual health. The research, which has not yet been peer-reviewed, found that even slight elevations in blood sugar levels, below the diabetic threshold, can lead to a decline in sperm movement and erectile function. The researchers analysed the health records of 110 adult men with obesity or type 2 diabetes being treated with weight-loss medications and who were not on testosterone or hormonal therapy. Along with 10% weight loss, the proportion of men with normal levels of both total and free testosterone rose from 53% to 77%. As per the preliminary research presented this week at the Endocrine Society's annual meeting in San Francisco, high blood sugar can lower testosterone levels, which are crucial for male sexual function. Testosterone levels don't directly impact erectile function but rather correlate with libido assessment. The research found that high glucose levels can damage nerves and blood vessels, which are essential for achieving and maintaining erections, leading to erectile dysfunction. Lifestyle Changes And Prevention A balanced diet rich in whole foods and fibre can help stabilise blood sugar and reduce inflammation. Regular physical activity helps in improving insulin sensitivity, and it supports weight loss. Meditation and yoga can enhance mental and emotional well-being, playing a role in sexual performance. Medications like semaglutide, liraglutide and tirzepatide can help regulate blood sugar. "While it is well known that weight loss from lifestyle changes or bariatric surgery increases testosterone levels, the impact that anti-obesity medications may also have on these levels has not been widely studied," said Shellsea Portillo Canales, M.D., endocrinology fellow at SSM Health St. Louis University Hospital in St. Louis, Mo. "Our study is among the first to provide compelling evidence that low testosterone can be reversed with the use of commonly prescribed anti-obesity medications."
New York Post
6 days ago
- Health
- New York Post
Weight loss drugs like Ozempic can raise low testosterone — what that means for men
Big gland energy! Testosterone fuels male sex drive and erectile function and influences everything from bone density and muscle mass to fat distribution, red blood cell production, mood and energy levels. Unfortunately, testosterone levels naturally decline with age. Older men may feel more tired and grouchy and less interested in sex. Not to mention the hair loss, bone fractures and weight gain around the waist that often accompany low T. Advertisement 3 Testosterone levels significantly affect a man's physical, sexual and mental well-being. AntonioDiaz – Luckily, there are ways to naturally boost testosterone. Exercise, especially strength training, a healthy diet, stress reduction, adequate sleep and weight management, particularly for those who are overweight, are just a few. A new study highlights another tool that may help elevate these levels — Ozempic and other GLP-1 drugs. Advertisement Research indicates that weight loss can enhance testosterone levels because excess body fat contains the enzyme aromatase, which converts testosterone into estrogen. 'While it is well-known that weight loss from lifestyle changes or bariatric surgery increases testosterone levels, the impact that anti-obesity medications may also have on these levels has not been widely studied,' said Dr. Shellsea Portillo Canales, an endocrinology fellow at SSM Health St. Louis University Hospital in Missouri. 'Our study is among the first to provide compelling evidence that low testosterone can be reversed with the use of commonly prescribed anti-obesity medications.' 3 Ozempic and other GLP-1 drugs may help elevate testosterone levels through weight loss. mbruxelle – Advertisement Portillo Canales' team analyzed the records of 110 adult men with obesity or Type 2 diabetes taking the weight-loss medications semaglutide (Wegovy), dulaglutide (Trulicity) or tirzepatide (Zepbound) but not participating in testosterone or hormonal therapy. These three drugs mimic the effects of GLP-1, a natural hormone in the body that regulates blood sugar and appetite, often leading to lower blood sugar and weight loss. On average, the participants experienced 10% weight loss and saw their testosterone levels rise from 53% to 77% over 18 months. Advertisement Weight loss improves insulin sensitivity, reduces inflammation and lowers aromatase activity, which contribute to increased testosterone production. The findings were presented Monday at ENDO 2025, the Endocrine Society's meeting in San Francisco. 'Results from this study show that there is a direct correlation between the use of anti-obesity medications and testosterone levels,' said Portillo Canales. 'Doctors and their patients can now consider this class of medications not only for the treatment of obesity and to control blood sugar, but also to benefit men's reproductive health.' 3 It's important to keep an eye on testosterone levels, which naturally decline with age. Larisa – GLP-1 drugs are not without risks, though. Nausea, vomiting and diarrhea are among the most commonly reported side effects. Inflammation of the pancreas, vision changes, stomach paralysis and even death are rare but serious concerns. Advertisement In the 20 years since the first GLP-1 drug was approved to treat diabetes, researchers have been exploring other uses for these popular meds. Research continues on their potential to slow the progression of Alzheimer's disease, improve sleep apnea, reduce alcohol cravings and treat liver disease, among other conditions.
Business Recorder
10-07-2025
- Business
- Business Recorder
Defective data yields flawed policies
EDITORIAL: The finance minister has expressed frustration and anger over the formulation of economic policies and decision-making based on outdated data. This has rightly brought the Pakistan Bureau of Statistics (PBS) into the spotlight. Its officials must be held accountable. The controversy began with strong criticism — including from this publication — of the flawed GDP growth figures, where PBS estimated over 5 percent growth in the last quarter of FY25 on an utterly unjustified basis. Additionally, the poverty and employment data are outdated, while the government's estimates significantly diverge from those of the World Bank and independent economists. There are clear indications of an attempt to overstate GDP growth in FY25. A prime example is livestock, which accounts for nearly two-thirds of agriculture. While important crops are declining by 13.5 percent, PBS estimates livestock growth at 4.8 percent. However, the last livestock survey was conducted in 2005-06. A new survey, originally scheduled for completion in FY21, has faced repeated delays and remains incomplete. When questioned, the chief statistician absurdly blamed political uncertainty for the five-year delay. He then tried to justify the livestock growth figures based on annual fodder consumption. But how can fodder consumption grow at such high rates when fodder crop production is declining? According to the methodology published on the PBS website, livestock estimates are derived using 2015-16 constant prices, factoring in natural growth and regeneration. Yet, neither the growth figures nor the PBS's explanations make sense. There are other notable discrepancies as well. For instance, in the industrial sector, Small-Scale Manufacturing (SSM) is reported to have grown by 8.8 percent, whereas Large-Scale Manufacturing (LSM) declined by 1.5 percent. How can SSM grow when the downstream segment – LSM — is shrinking? That is akin to saying auto parts assemblers are booming while car production and sales are falling. The math simply does not add up. Similarly, the construction sector is estimated to have grown by 6.6 percent, while its proxy indicator — local cement dispatches — is down by 3 percent. PBS justifies this by assuming full utilisation of the budgeted Public Sector Development Programme (PSDP), which is implausible given the government's push for a primary fiscal surplus. PSDP was in fact severely underutilised in 9MFY25, a fact known at the time PBS released the growth data. Another glaring example is the electricity, gas, and utility sector, which PBS claims grew by 29 percent — implying over 100 percent growth in the last quarter alone. However, NTDC (National Transmission and Dispatch Company) data shows that power generation fell by 0.3 percent in 11MFY25. Meanwhile, a reported 10 percent growth in public administration and social security is also questionable when current expenditure is stagnating in real terms. It appears there was a deliberate effort to overstate GDP growth by PBS, which operates under the Planning Ministry. Now, the finance minister is publicly criticising them. It is a compelling need to reform PBS and restore the integrity of national data. The flaws at PBS extend well beyond GDP estimates. Serious doubts persist around other indicators such as household income, unemployment, poverty, and population data — all of which directly influence socioeconomic policymaking. PBS suffers from serious capacity issues. Though it is supposed to function autonomously — like the State Bank of Pakistan. However, it lacks depth and independence. The current chief statistician appears arrogant and defensive, often justifying clear errors. This is too critical a position to be handled so carelessly. The government must take notice. Competent professionals with integrity and independence must be appointed to ensure that both public and private sectors receive accurate data to support informed decision-making. Copyright Business Recorder, 2025
The Sun
09-07-2025
- Business
- The Sun
SSM warns against false statements to registrar of companies
KUALA LUMPUR: The Companies Commission of Malaysia (SSM) has issued a stern reminder to the public against submitting false or misleading statements to the Registrar of Companies. Legal action will be taken against offenders, reinforcing the importance of compliance and ethical business practices. SSM emphasised its commitment to enforcing corporate laws, ensuring businesses uphold integrity. The warning follows a recent case at the Kajang Criminal Sessions Court involving a company director accused of allowing false statements regarding director appointments. Sandra Sheager Chidambaram, the director in question, was charged under Section 593(a) of the Companies Act 2016. If convicted, she faces up to 10 years in prison, a fine of RM3 million, or both. She pleaded not guilty and was granted bail of RM12,000. The next court mention is scheduled for August 22. - Bernama
The Sun
04-07-2025
- The Sun
21 arrested for oil palm theft, fraud in Hilir Perak
TELUK INTAN: Police arrested 21 individuals linked to oil palm fruit theft and fraudulent trading activities in Hilir Perak. The operation, conducted on July 2, targeted 14 locations, including licensed mills and unlicensed traders. Hilir Perak police chief ACP Dr Bakri Zainal Abidin confirmed the arrests involved 15 women and six men aged 20 to 63. Among them were clerks, mill supervisors, and unlicensed traders. Two suspects had prior drug-related records. Raids seized 18 items, including business licences from the Companies Commission of Malaysia (SSM), Malaysian Palm Oil Board (MPOB) permits, computers, and transaction receipts. The suspects were remanded but later released on bail. Investigations under Section 420 of the Penal Code revealed fraud, embezzlement, and document forgery. Authorities will collaborate with the Inland Revenue Board (LHDN) for further legal checks. A second phase of operations will target individuals linked to rising oil palm thefts in Hilir Perak. Police aim to restore public confidence by addressing these crimes. - Bernama
