02 Feb Low Testosterone and…Diabetes?
It’s no secret that low testosterone is linked to a whole host of health conditions. In previous blogs, we’ve talked about depression, osteoporosis, and insomnia. Today, we’re talking about another condition that’s connected to low testosterone levels: diabetes.
In fact, if you’re a man with type 2 diabetes, you’re twice as likely to have low testosterone as compared to men who don’t have diabetes. So if you’re at risk or know that you have these conditions, is there anything you can do? Luckily, the answer is yes! But first, let’s look more into why these two issues are linked in the first place.
What’s the Connection?
The two conditions are linked, but one doesn’t necessarily cause the other. However, research shows that low testosterone may contribute to the development of type 2 diabetes.
Testosterone levels correlate with the body’s insulin sensitivity. Low levels of testosterone are associated with insulin resistance, which is when your body doesn’t know how to use the insulin it produces. When that happens, the glucose you get from the food you eat gets stuck in your bloodstream instead of being absorbed by your cells. Insulin is the hormone that helps your cells absorb glucose, since glucose can’t enter most of your cells directly. EndocrineWeb describes insulin as a “key which unlocks the cell to allow sugar [or glucose] to enter the cell and be used for energy.”
So Is There Anything You Can Do?
If you have type 2 diabetes and low testosterone levels, there’s a good chance that testosterone replacement therapy could help you fight your diabetes (and your low testosterone, of course).
There was a study in 2015 that looked at testosterone replacement therapy and men with type 2 diabetes. Of the 94 participants in the study, 44 had low testosterone. The men with low levels were randomly split into two groups: one group received weekly testosterone replacement therapy (TRT), and the other group received a placebo. After 24 weeks, the group that had received TRT saw a dramatic increase in their insulin sensitivity levels.
If you’ve been diagnosed with type 2 diabetes, seriously consider getting your testosterone levels checked. There are physical symptoms that can clue you in, but the only way to know for sure is to get tested. At LT Men’s Clinic, we can have those results ready for you in less than 30 minutes!
If you have any questions or concerns about diabetes or low testosterone, LT Men’s Clinic is here to help you out. We have several different forms of testosterone replacement therapy (you can check them out here), and we’ll help you figure out which option is best for you and your lifestyle. Schedule an appointment by calling (817) 416-5698 today.
Sources:
http://www.everydayhealth.com/hs/low-testosterone-guide/low-testosterone-diabetes/
http://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/303291.php
https://www.endocrineweb.com/conditions/type-1-diabetes/what-insulin