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Type 2 diabetes-associated androgen alteration in patients with erectile dysfunction
A I El-Sakka1, H M Sayed, K A Tayeb
1Department of Urology, Suez Canal University, Ismailia, Egypt. aielsakka@yahoo.com
International Journal of Andrology
|September 20, 2007
Summary
This study found that low testosterone (T) and dehydroepiandrosterone sulphate (DHEA-S) levels are common in men with type-2 diabetes and erectile dysfunction (ED). Poor diabetes control significantly correlates with these androgen deficiencies and increased ED severity.
Area of Science:
- Endocrinology
- Diabetology
- Men's Health
Background:
- Type-2 diabetes mellitus (DM) is a global health concern.
- Erectile dysfunction (ED) is a common complication of DM.
- Androgen alterations, including low testosterone (T) and dehydroepiandrosterone sulphate (DHEA-S), may contribute to ED in diabetic patients.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the relationship between type-2 diabetes, androgen levels, and erectile dysfunction.
- To assess the prevalence of low total T, low DHEA-S, and hyperinsulinaemia in diabetic men with ED.
- To determine the association between these hormonal changes and diabetes control, as well as ED severity.
Main Methods:
- A cohort of 127 male patients with type-2 diabetes and ED was studied.
- Erectile function was assessed using the International Index of Erectile Function (IIEF).
- Hormonal levels (total T, DHEA-S, insulin) and glycosylated haemoglobin (HbA1c) were measured; socio-demographic and medical history were collected.
Main Results:
- Low total T was observed in 25.2% and low DHEA-S in 6.3% of patients.
- Low T or DHEA-S levels were significantly associated with poor diabetes control (higher HbA1c).
- Patients with low T levels were more likely to have severe ED and hyperinsulinaemia.
Conclusions:
- Low levels of total testosterone and dehydroepiandrosterone sulphate are significantly associated with poor diabetes control in men with ED.
- Androgen deficiency is linked to increased severity of erectile dysfunction and hyperinsulinaemia in this population.
- These findings highlight the importance of assessing androgen status in diabetic men with ED, particularly those with suboptimal glycemic control.
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