Testosterone concentration in young patients with diabetes
Anil Chandel1, Sandeep Dhindsa, Shehzad Topiwala
1Division of Endocrinology, Diabetes and Metabolism, State University of New York at Buffalo, Buffalo, New York, USA.
Diabetes Care
|July 25, 2008
Summary
Young individuals with type 2 diabetes exhibit significantly lower testosterone levels and a higher prevalence of hypogonadotrophic hypogonadism compared to those with type 1 diabetes. This finding suggests potential reproductive health concerns for young men with type 2 diabetes.
Area of Science:
- Endocrinology
- Reproductive Health
- Metabolic Disorders
Background:
- Previous research indicated hypogonadotrophic hypogonadism is common in middle-aged type 2 diabetic patients.
- The status of testosterone in younger diabetic populations, particularly type 1 versus type 2 diabetes, remained less understood.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate and compare total and free testosterone concentrations in young adults (18-35 years) diagnosed with type 1 and type 2 diabetes.
- To assess the prevalence of hypogonadotrophic hypogonadism in these distinct diabetic cohorts.
Main Methods:
- Serum concentrations of total and free testosterone were measured in 38 type 1 diabetic patients (mean age 26.45 years) and 24 type 2 diabetic patients (mean age 27.87 years).
- Body Mass Index (BMI) was recorded, with type 2 diabetics showing significantly higher mean BMI (38.55 kg/m²) compared to type 1 diabetics (27.41 kg/m²).
- Luteinizing hormone (LH) and follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH) levels were also assessed.
Main Results:
- Type 2 diabetic patients exhibited significantly lower mean total testosterone (11.14 nmol/l) and free testosterone (0.296 nmol/l) compared to type 1 diabetic patients (22.89 nmol/l and 0.489 nmol/l, respectively).
- A substantial proportion of type 2 diabetic patients (33-58%) presented with subnormal or low free testosterone levels, significantly higher than the 8% observed in type 1 diabetic patients.
- Low free testosterone in type 2 diabetics was associated with normal LH and FSH levels, suggesting hypogonadotrophic hypogonadism.
Conclusions:
- Young type 2 diabetic patients demonstrate significantly diminished total and free testosterone levels and a high prevalence of hypogonadotrophic hypogonadism when contrasted with age-matched type 1 diabetic patients.
- These hormonal imbalances in young type 2 diabetics may have profound implications for sexual and reproductive health during their prime reproductive years.
- The findings underscore the need for endocrine evaluation in young type 2 diabetic patients.
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