Testosterone therapy for managing type 2 diabetes in men and women
Testosterone therapy for managing type 2 diabetes in men and women
Testosterone Therapy: A Promising Solution for Type 2 Diabetes and Obesity
Researchers say testosterone therapy can help with type 2 diabetes. andreswd/Getty Images
A new study presented at the annual meeting of The European Association for the Study of Diabetes suggests that testosterone therapy could be a beneficial treatment for people with type 2 diabetes and obesity. The research, conducted by an international team of scientists, provides preliminary insights into the potential positive effects of testosterone replacement therapy (TRT) on blood sugar control and cholesterol levels. This groundbreaking study has the potential to revolutionize the way we approach diabetes treatment.
The study analyzed data from an ongoing international audit of testosterone deficiency in men with type 2 diabetes. The researchers found that TRT improved glycemic control in men over a period of two years. The data was collected from 37 centers worldwide, and included 428 subjects with an average age of 71. The results of this study shed light on the controversial question of whether TRT can have a beneficial effect on diabetes and obesity.
The link between testosterone and type 2 diabetes has been recognized for over two decades. It is estimated that 40% of men with type 2 diabetes also have symptomatic testosterone deficiency. This deficiency not only affects blood sugar control, but also has adverse effects on cardiovascular risk factors, bone health, and psychological well-being. In fact, men with both type 2 diabetes and low testosterone have twice the risk of death compared to those with normal testosterone levels.
ABCD officials, referring to the Association of British Clinical Diabetologists, have stated that multiple studies have shown the potential benefits of TRT for men with both testosterone deficiency and type 2 diabetes. These studies have demonstrated that TRT can reduce insulin resistance, improve blood sugar control (measured by HbA1c levels), lower cholesterol and obesity levels, and even improve quality of life and sexual function.
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Despite the evidence supporting the use of TRT, its uptake among endocrinologists has been slow. Many diabetologists are still unaware of the association between testosterone and diabetes. T. Hugh Jones, a professor and researcher on testosterone and type 2 diabetes, hopes that the data from the ABCD audit will encourage wider implementation of TRT. He believes that by collecting data on real-world clinical practice, healthcare professionals can determine which patients will benefit the most from this therapy.
The ABCD audit, which allowed anonymized data input from patients being treated with TRT, aimed to assess the real-world benefits and safety of this treatment. Participants received testosterone either through gels or long-acting injections. The audit monitored symptoms, glycemic control, obesity, and other cardiometabolic parameters. It also examined the impact of testosterone therapy on cardiovascular events and diabetes complications.
Dr. Rekha Kumar, a practicing endocrinologist in New York City, explains that the findings of this study are not surprising. Testosterone increases muscle mass, which can help combat insulin resistance and reduce the risk of developing type 2 diabetes. Dr. Kumar suggests that testosterone levels should be considered more broadly in men with type 2 diabetes and low testosterone.
Interestingly, it’s not only men who can benefit from testosterone therapy. Dr. Florence Comite, an endocrinologist, highlights that testosterone optimization in both men and women can improve blood glucose control and insulin sensitivity. As testosterone levels decline with age, it can have a negative impact on muscle mass, leading to various chronic disorders associated with aging, such as diabetes, heart disease, and Alzheimer’s disease.
Dr. Bruce Dorr, a senior medical advisor, emphasizes the link between testosterone deficiency and metabolic syndrome, which includes insulin resistance. He explains that testosterone therapy not only decreases insulin resistance but also has other numerous benefits such as improving energy, mood, libido, sleep, and promoting healthier lifestyle choices.
In conclusion, the recent study on testosterone therapy provides exciting insights into a potential breakthrough in type 2 diabetes treatment. Testosterone replacement therapy has shown promising results in improving blood sugar control, cholesterol levels, and overall quality of life for men with type 2 diabetes and obesity. Furthermore, this therapy has the potential to benefit both men and women by optimizing blood glucose control and insulin sensitivity. As we continue to explore the diverse applications of testosterone therapy, it is crucial that healthcare professionals remain informed and aware of its potential benefits for their patients.
