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Testosterone and the prevention of type 2 diabetes mellitus: therapeutic implications from recent trials
Gary Wittert1, Mahesh M Umapathysivam1,2
1Freemasons Centre for Male Health and Wellbeing, South Australian Health and Medical Research Institute, University of Adelaide, Adelaide.
Purpose Of Review:
Type 2 diabetes (T2D) is increasing to epidemic proportions and frequently associated with obesity and a low serum testosterone concentration in men. This review valuates recent randomized controlled trials (RCTs) investigating the effect of testosterone treatment on glycemic control and T2D prevention.
Recent Findings:
The 2-year Testosterone for the Prevention of Type 2 diabetes Trial (T4DM) study showed that in men aged 50 years and over with visceral obesity and impaired glucose tolerance, testosterone treatment on the background of a lifestyle intervention reduced T2D risk by 40%. The Testosterone Effects on Atherosclerosis Progression in Aging Men and Testosterone Trials demonstrated modest improvements in insulin sensitivity and body composition. However, the Testosterone Replacement Therapy for Assessment of Long-Term Vascular Events and Efficacy Response in Hypogonadal Men trial found no significant glycemic benefits over 2 years. Recent data from the Diabetes Prevention Program Outcome Study support the cost efficacy and durability of metformin.
Summary:
In men at high risk of T2D, treatment with testosterone prevents the disease; however, there are caveats to its use and other approaches may be more applicable. Differences in trial designs, age groups, and outcome measures contribute to varying results. HbA1C is a suboptimal outcome measure. Future research should explore potential synergies between testosterone and GLP-1 receptor agonists in T2D management, while considering cost-effectiveness.
Insights
Testosterone treatment can prevent Type 2 diabetes (T2D) in high-risk men, particularly when combined with lifestyle changes. However, results vary, and other treatments may be more suitable for some individuals.
Area of Science:
- Endocrinology
- Metabolic Diseases
- Clinical Trials
Background:
- Type 2 diabetes (T2D) prevalence is rising globally, often linked to obesity and low testosterone in men.
- Low serum testosterone is a common comorbidity in men with obesity and T2D.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review recent randomized controlled trials (RCTs) on testosterone treatment's impact on glycemic control and T2D prevention.
- To evaluate the efficacy of testosterone therapy in managing T2D risk factors.
Main Methods:
- Systematic review of recent randomized controlled trials (RCTs).
- Analysis of studies investigating testosterone's effects on glucose metabolism, insulin sensitivity, and T2D incidence.
- Inclusion of trials with varying patient demographics and intervention durations.
Main Results:
- The T4DM trial showed a 40% reduction in T2D risk with testosterone treatment plus lifestyle intervention in older men with visceral obesity and impaired glucose tolerance.
- Some studies indicated modest improvements in insulin sensitivity and body composition with testosterone therapy.
- Other trials found no significant glycemic benefits, highlighting variability in outcomes.
Conclusions:
- Testosterone therapy can prevent T2D in high-risk men, but its application has limitations.
- Variations in trial design, patient populations, and outcome measures (e.g., HbA1c) contribute to inconsistent findings.
- Future research should investigate testosterone synergies with GLP-1 receptor agonists and assess cost-effectiveness for T2D management.
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