Testosterone Therapy Impedes Diabetes Progress, Study Finds

Testosterone Therapy Impedes Diabetes Progress, Study Finds

Testosterone therapy might slow down the path to type 2 diabetes in some men, experts report in Diabetes Care.

The finding applies to men who have both prediabetes and low testosterone.

People with prediabetes have higher-than-normal blood sugar levels, but these levels are not high enough for an official diabetes diagnosis. However, prediabetes increases a person’s risk for type 2 diabetes as well as heart disease and stroke.

Prediabetes can be a wake-up call. People with prediabetes may be able to lower their risk for more serious health conditions by making healthier lifestyle choices.

Men with testosterone deficiency (hypogonadism) are also at higher risk for type 2 diabetes.

The study involved 316 men with prediabetes, low testosterone levels (less than or equal to 12.1 nmol/L), and symptoms of hypogonadism, which may include low sex drive, fatigue, moodiness, and decreased muscle mass.

Two hundred twenty-nine men received testosterone therapy; the remaining 87 men received no treatment. For eight years, the researchers assessed the men’s health twice annually.

At the eight-year point, glucose regulation had returned to normal for 90% of the treatment group. In contrast, 40% of the untreated group had developed type 2 diabetes.

The men who received testosterone saw improvements with their fasting glucose, cholesterol, and triglyceride levels, but levels worsened for the men in the untreated group.

The men in the testosterone group also had improved scores on the Aging Males’ Symptoms (AMS) scale (an assessment tool used to measure health-related quality of life in aging men) compared to the men who did not undergo testosterone therapy.

Mortality rates and incidence of nonfatal heart attacks were higher for the men in the untreated group.

"Long-term [testosterone therapy] completely prevents prediabetes progression to [type 2 diabetes] in men with hypogonadism and improves glycemia, lipids, and AMS score,” the study authors concluded.

They added, “[Testosterone therapy] holds tremendous potential for the large and growing population of men with prediabetes and hypogonadism.”

Resources

Centers for Disease Control and Prevention

“Prediabetes: Your Chance to Prevent Type 2 Diabetes”

(Page last reviewed: June 21, 2018)

https://www.cdc.gov/diabetes/basics/prediabetes.html

Diabetes Care

Yassin, Aksam, et al.

“Testosterone Therapy in Men With Hypogonadism Prevents Progression From Prediabetes to Type 2 Diabetes: Eight-Year Data From a Registry Study”

(Abstract. March 2019)

http://care.diabetesjournals.org/content/early/2019/03/04/dc18-2388

HealthDay News via DoctorsLounge.com

“Testosterone Therapy in Hypogonadism Can Prevent Progression to T2DM”

(March 15, 2019)

https://www.doctorslounge.com/index.php/news/pb/87280

Univadis

Tucker, Miriam (Curator)

“Testosterone therapy halts progression to T2D in men with hypogonadism”

(March 13, 2019)

http://univadis.com/player/ymqqvugnw?m=unv_eml_essentials_enl_v4-q42018_20190314&partner=unl&rgid=5pbcznujyqbqzkfhvyprpp&ts=2019031400&o=tile_3_id&utm_source=Retention&utm_medium=newsletter&utm_campaign=unv_eml_essentials_enl_v4-q42018_20190314_03

You may also be interested in...

Other Popular Articles

What Is Jelqing, and Does It Actually Work?

The term “jelqing” refers to a set of penis stretching exercises that some believe can make the penis bigger. Although the practice has gained attention and popularity in blogs and internet forums in recent years, there is no scientific evidence that it is an effective way to permanently increase the size of one’s penis. In fact, in some cases, jelqing may actually cause damage to the penis, so it is a good idea to get all the facts before setting off to try it.

What Is Sensate Focus and How Does It Work?

Sensate focus is a technique used to improve intimacy and communication between partners around sex, reduce sexual performance anxiety, and shift away from ingrained, goal-oriented sexual patterns that may not be serving a couple.

What Is the Average Penis Size?

If you have ever wondered how your penis compares to others in terms of size, you are not alone. Many men are curious to know how their penises stack up compared to the average. Unfortunately, general curiosity can sometimes give way to full-on obsession and anxiety about penis size. This can be an unhealthy and often unnecessary fixation, especially because most men who think their penises are too small have perfectly normal-sized penises.

What Is Edging and Why Do People Do It?

Edging is the practice of stopping sexual stimulation before reaching orgasm to prolong a sexual experience. The term stems from the concept of approaching the metaphorical “edge” of orgasm but stopping before going over the edge.

The Sex-Positivity Movement: What it Means to Be Sex-Positive

You may have heard references to “being sex-positive” or “the sex-positivity movement” in popular culture. Various celebrities have brought attention to this movement by speaking out about their beliefs and personal experiences regarding sexuality, sexual health, body positivity, “slut-shaming,” and sexual assault.

Can Sex Reduce Menstrual Cramps?

The SMSNA periodically receives and publishes ‘guest editorials.’ The current article was submitted by Mia Barnes, a freelance writer and researcher who specializes in women's health, wellness, and healthy living. She is the Founder and Editor-in-Chief of Body+Mind Magazine.

Having sex while you experience menstrual cramps is healthy and can provide significant benefits. While it might not be the first activity that comes to mind when your PMS or period cramping begins, many people enjoy sex to reduce menstrual cramps, experience increased pleasure and benefit from other advantages. Learn more about having sex while menstrual cramps are happening and how it can help your body.

Find a Provider

Find a provider who specializes in sexual medicine in your area.

FIND NOW
Image