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Testosterone and type 2 diabetes in men
Allan Mazur1, Ronny Westerman, Andrea Werdecker
1Maxwell School, Syracuse University, Crouse-Hinds Hall , Syracuse, NY , USA and.
Summary
Low testosterone in men is an independent risk factor for high fasting glucose (FG), similar to aging and obesity. However, low testosterone is a weak predictor for developing type 2 diabetes (T2D).
Area of Science:
- Endocrinology
- Metabolic Health
- Men's Health
Background:
- Low testosterone (hypogonadism) is prevalent in aging men.
- Hypogonadism is associated with metabolic syndrome components.
- The independent role of testosterone in glucose metabolism requires further elucidation.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the association between low testosterone levels and high fasting glucose (FG).
- To determine if low testosterone is an independent risk factor for type 2 diabetes (T2D) diagnosis.
- To compare the risk associated with low testosterone to aging and obesity.
Main Methods:
- Observational study utilizing data from 991 male US Air Force veterans.
- Longitudinal analysis over 20 years with six medical examinations.
- Multivariate regression analysis controlling for age and obesity.
Main Results:
- Low testosterone showed a moderate, independent association with high FG.
- Testosterone levels were not significantly correlated with T2D diagnosis.
- Low testosterone was a weak predictor for developing T2D.
Conclusions:
- Low testosterone is an independent risk factor for elevated FG in men.
- The risk posed by low testosterone for high FG is comparable to aging and obesity.
- Low testosterone is not a strong predictor for T2D diagnosis.
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