Diabetes and Low Testosterone

Diabetic ItemsWhere you recently diagnosed with diabetes?

Did it come as a surprise because no one else in your family suffers from the illness?  Are you curious to learn where this disease originated?

Your current health issue could be the result of low testosterone levels.  Or, your low testosterone levels could be a result of your diabetic condition! Yes, we know that’s confusing! This chicken/egg situation is a puzzling one.  Those who suffer from type 2 diabetes are twice as likely to suffer from low testosterone.

On the other hand, those with low testosterone are more likely to develop diabetes later in life.  Why?  Testosterone helps the body absorb more blood sugar.  The lower the testosterone levels, the more insulin the body needs to make the absorption happen.

What is the Relationship between Testosterone Levels and Diabetes?

Low testosterone levels are the cause of many side effects, like fatigue, depression, and lack of concentration. What do these have to do with diabetes? Nothing. But another symptom of testosterone deficiency does – weight gain.

When a man’s testosterone level dips too low, his muscle mass starts to decrease. Fat then replaces the muscle, causing the man to gain weight. Obesity is highly correlated with type 2 diabetes.

Studies That Support the Idea of This Relationship

1.) Researchers focused on a group of men diagnosed with type 2 diabetes. They found that raising the men’s testosterone levels improved their insulin sensitivity.

2.) Diabetes places men at a higher risk of gaining weight, losing muscle mass, developing depression, and having weak erections, as posted on the CBS News website. These symptoms match the ones of men with testosterone deficiency.

3.) Researchers have noticed a drop in testosterone levels in men who are being treated for prostate cancer. Those men were then at a higher risk for diabetes, according to an article published on the Harvard Health website.

How Can You Protect Yourself Against the Two?

The most important result of regulated testosterone levels is the effect the hormone has on your body’s metabolism. Testosterone boosts metabolism, therefore helping you lose weight and gain muscle mass. If you think your testosterone levels aren’t high enough, speak with your doctor immediately.

While there are still a lot of unanswered questions regarding the correlation between diabetes and low testosterone, there is one thing doctors know for sure – there is a correlation between the two.