Overweight male type 2 diabetes patients with low testosterone levels may benefit from low-T therapy (testosterone therapy) according to a new research study published by American Diabetes Association. One of the clinical traits noted in a previous study found that obese men have significantly low testosterone, the male hormone that regulates sex drive, genital development, muscle growth, distribution of fat, and bone development. In some complex cases, men can also develop diabetes in addition to low testosterone that can cause an array of symptoms like high blood pressure, extreme fatigue, and low sex drive. The significance of this new research gives new insight into how obese men with low-T may improve diabetes by introducing testosterone, which comes in topical, patch, and injection formulations, as part of the treatment.
Testosterone Therapy and Weight
The new findings by the Jacobs School of Medicine and Biomedical Sciences at the University of Buffalo and other institutions noted a correlation in clinically obese men with type 2 diabetes, and low total and free testosterone levels. During several randomized trials, clinically obese men with type 2 diabetes and low-T were given an injection of testosterone over a 24-week period. In some trials, overweight men with diabetes and low-T on testosterone did not decrease body weight when given the therapy. However, there was a substantial decrease in total body fat levels as much as 6 lbs. Another effect the testosterone therapy had during the trails was an increase in muscle mass, which has the ability to improve outcomes of therapies aimed at decreasing diabetes side effects. The key discovery in this study however, revealed that men with type 2 diabetes on testosterone improves overall glycemic control, thus reducing possible complications such as cardiovascular disease that affects the heart and blood vessels, eyes, kidneys, nerves, gums and teeth.
The significance of this research provides doctor’s new insights and guidelines for treating obese men type 2 diabetes. While there are more clinical research trials needed to identify other possible interactions that testosterone may have on males with diabetes, doctors can now recommend this therapy along with diet, exercise, and glycogenic control to improve the lives of men with the condition.
