Higher fasting plasma glucose levels within the normoglycemic range constitute an independent risk factor for type 2 diabetes among young men, and such levels may help, along with body-mass index and triglyceride levels, to identify apparently healthy men at increased risk for diabetes.

OBJECTIVE -The association between changes in triglyceride concentrations over time and diabetes is unknown. We assessed whether two triglyceride determinations obtained 5 years apart can predict incident type 2 diabetes.RESEARCH DESIGN AND METHODS -Triglyceride levels at baseline (time 1) and 5 years later (time 2), followed by subsequent follow-up of 5.5 years, were measured in 13,953 apparently healthy men (age 26 -45 years) with triglycerides Ͻ300 mg/dl (Ͻ3.39 mmol/l).RESULTS -During 76,742 person-years, 322 cases of diabetes occurred. A multivariate model adjusted for age, BMI, total cholesterol-to-HDL cholesterol ratio, family history of diabetes, fasting glucose, blood pressure, physical activity, and smoking status revealed a continuous independent rise in incident diabetes with increasing time 1 triglyceride levels (P trend Ͻ 0.001). Men in the lowest tertile of time 1 triglyceride levels who progressed to the highest tertile over follow-up (low-high) exhibited a hazard ratio (HR) of 12.62 (95% CI 3.52-31.34) compared with those remaining in the lowest tertile at both time points (reference group: low-low). Whereas men who were at the top triglyceride level tertile throughout follow-up (high-high) had a HR for diabetes of 7.08 (2.52-14.45), those whose triglyceride level decreased to the lowest tertile (high-low) exhibited a HR of 1.97 (0.67-6.13). Alterations in triglyceride levels during follow-up were associated with changes in BMI, physical activity, and eating breakfast habit (P Ͻ 0.05), but remained an independent modifier of diabetes risk even after adjustment for such changes.CONCLUSIONS -Two measurements of fasting triglyceride levels obtained 5 years apart can assist in identifying apparently healthy young men at increased risk for diabetes, independent of traditional risk factors and of associated changes in BMI and lifestyle parameters.

Two triglyceride measurements obtained 5 years apart may assist in assessing CHD risk in young men. A decrease in initially elevated triglyceride levels is associated with a decrease in CHD risk compared with stable high triglyceride levels. However, this risk remains higher than in those with persistently low triglyceride levels.

Introduction Erectile dysfunction (ED) can be an early and first sign of an underlying systemic disease. A screening program is offered by the Medical services of the Israel Defense Force for career servicemen at the Staff Periodic Examination Center (SPEC) aimed at early detection of morbidity. The Sexual Human Inventory for Males (SHIM) questionnaire was introduced to these men in order to identify ED, to offer men with ED suitable treatment options, and to investigate underlying systemic diseases. Aim To provide epidemiological data regarding the prevalence of ED among a large-scale young adult population. Methods Subjects aged 25–50 years are undergoing a routine check-up at SPEC. Blood samples, physiological measures, demographic variables, information on health status and smoking habits are recorded and documented. The SHIM self-administrated questionnaire was used to characterize ED. Results During 2001–2003, 11,914 males reported to SPEC (average age 34.8 ± 7.1 years). Five thousand eight hundred thirty-six of them chose to answer the SHIM questionnaire (compliance of 48.9%). According to the SHIM scores, at least one out of three men (26.9%) suffered from ED (19%, 7%, and 1% had mild, moderate, and severe ED, respectively). ED was prevalent also among young adults: 22.1% of males under-40 had low SHIM scores (<21). Severity of ED correlated with age and diabetes mellitus. Conclusion In light of these results, we conclude that ED is a major health concern among young men as well. Incorporating questions regarding sexual health in a routine check-up may encourage more men to seek treatment, not only for ED, but also for underlying diseases.

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Prehypertension is very common among Israeli adolescents. A substantial number of adolescents exhibit a BMI greater than normal. As both of these factors are known to be asssociated with increased cardiovascular risk, early institution of healthful lifestyle changes in a large proportion of this age group is recommended.

Background Erectile dysfunction (ED) is often associated with sleep disorders and sleep apnea syndrome (SAS) in mostly middle-aged and elderly men. Sleep disorders and ED are also prevalent in younger men. Purpose To study the association between ED, sleep disorders, and SAS, particularly among adult men. Methods A health screening program is offered by the Israel Defense Force (IDF) for career servicemen older than 25 years, for the purpose of early detection of ED and sleep disorders, among other concealed morbidities. The Sexual Health Inventory for Man questionnaire (SHIM) was used to measure ED. The Sleep Quality (SQ) questionnaire, developed by the medical services of the IDF, was used to characterize SAS and other sleep disorders. Results From 2002 through 2003, 3,363 men (mean age, 36.1 ± 6.8 years) replied to the SHIM and SQ questionnaires. Of these men, 337 (10%) scored high (≥25) in the SQ questionnaire, suggesting moderate to severe sleep disorders, and 870 men (25.8%) scored low (≤21) in the SHIM questionnaire, suggesting ED. There was a negative correlation between the scores in the SHIM questionnaire and in the SQ questionnaire (r = −0.29, P < 0.0001)—even after age adjustment and after excluding men with risk factors for both ED and SAS (such as essential hypertension, diabetes mellitus, and obesity; r = −0.21, P < 0.0001). This correlation was consistent with all severity levels of ED and sleep disorders. Conclusions Sleep  disorders,  in  particular  SAS,  and  ED  are  prevalent  and  may  be  related  in adult  men.  Either  ED  or  sleep  disorders  should  be  considered  whenever  the  other  is  suspected in adult men. Sleep disorders and ED should also be investigated for the purpose of treating underlying systemic diseases and emotional disorders, and in order to prevent late complications of atherosclerosis.

The risk of developing hypertension in young adulthood may be predicted by BP categories and BMI at adolescence.