The Link Between Low Testosterone and Diabetes Type 2

Low testosterone or testosterone deficiency affects about 45 percent of men over age 45. Men can struggle with fatigue, mood changes, impotence, and low libido. It can also increase other health conditions. For example, studies show a link between low testosterone and diabetes. 

Visiting a Men’s Health Clinic can answer any questions and develop a treatment plan for low testosterone and diabetes. Common questions include:

  • What is the link between type 2 diabetes and low testosterone?
  • Does diabetes cause low testosterone?
  • How do you test for low testosterone?
  • What is Testosterone Replacement Therapy (TRT)?

What is Low Testosterone?

To understand the link between testosterone and diabetes type 2, let’s first discuss what low testosterone means. Testosterone is the hormone responsible for reproductive development, red blood cell production, and bone and muscle strength.

As men age, testosterone levels decline, putting them at a higher risk of developing low testosterone. As a result, they may gain weight, experience mood changes, and decreased memory and cognitive function. 

Hypogonadism (low testosterone) affects the amount of testosterone in the body. A blood test measures the testosterone in the bloodstream and also free testosterone in the body. Free testosterone is the amount of testosterone the body can use. 

What are the Symptoms of Low Testosterone?

Symptoms of low testosterone generally depend on the man’s age. They include:

  • Low sex drive
  • Erectile dysfunction (ED)
  • Depression
  • Lower sense of well-being
  • Trouble concentrating
  • Memory issues
  • Fatigue
  • Irritability 
  • Losing muscle strength

Low testosterone can cause body changes such as:

  • Lower hemoglobin levels
  • Losing body hair
  • Osteoporosis or bone thinning
  • Gaining body fat
  • Gynecomastia or breast development
  • Infertility

What Causes Low-T?

The amount of sex hormone-binding globulins, or SHBG, in the body affects free testosterone. SHBG is the protein that binds to testosterone to travel throughout the body. 

This means a man can have normal total testosterone levels, but if SHBG levels are high, the body can’t use all the testosterone. Low T causes various health conditions, including a link between low testosterone and diabetes. 

Does Diabetes Cause Low Testosterone?

According to the Journal of Clinical Endocrinology & Metabolism, 43 percent of diabetic men have lower total testosterone levels. Additionally, 57 percent have reduced free testosterone levels. Two main factors affect testosterone levels – insulin sensitivity and glycemic control. 

Insulin resistance happens when the body’s response to insulin is compromised. Studies link insulin resistance to low levels of both total and free testosterone. 

Glycemic control is the management of blood sugar levels in people with diabetes. Men with higher levels of SHBG typically have poor glycemic control. 

Because people with diabetes struggle with insulin resistance and glycemic control, diabetic men should be tested and monitored for low testosterone. 

How Can You Manage Low Testosterone and Diabetes Type 2?

Treatments for low testosterone and diabetes type 2 should include a heart-healthy diet and exercise. A study in the Journal of Clinical Endocrinology & Metabolism finds that lifestyle changes such as losing weight and regular exercise raise testosterone and benefit type 2 diabetes. 

Doctors may add various treatments such as medications and/or insulin therapy. Another study shows men in the early stages of diabetes using insulin increase their SHBG, which increases testosterone in the blood. 

Doctors may prescribe testosterone replacement therapy if low testosterone is still an issue. These treatments require monitoring because of the effects on insulin sensitivity. As a result, treatment for diabetes type 2 may need adjusting.

What is Testosterone Replacement Therapy for Men with Hypogonadism and Diabetes Type 2?

Testosterone Replacement Therapy or TRT helps manage symptoms of low testosterone. However, almost one-third of men with hypogonadism also struggle with type 2 diabetes. 

Although research continues, new studies show positive responses in men with type 2 diabetes and low testosterone. For example, some men went into remission for their diabetes. 

Testosterone Replacement Therapy is available in various forms, including:

  • An intramuscular injection every 10 to 14 days
  • Testosterone patches are used daily on different body parts such as buttocks, arms, abdomen, and back
  • Testosterone gel applied daily to upper back and arms
  • Pellets are implanted under the skin every two months

Although oral testosterone is available in other countries, it isn’t approved in the United States. 

What are the Benefits of TRT?

Besides the benefits for type 2 diabetes, testosterone replacement therapy benefits include:

  • Loss of body fat
  • Increase in bone density
  • Improves sense of well-being and mood
  • Helps with sexual function
  • Improves mental clarity
  • Increases muscle strength 

What are the Side Effects of Testosterone Replacement Therapy?

According to the Cleveland Clinic, the side effects of TRT include:

  • Oily skin or acne
  • Fluid retention in the ankles
  • Difficulty urinating
  • Breast enlargement or tenderness
  • Worsening of sleep apnea
  • Smaller testicles
  • Skin irritations

TRT can also cause lab abnormalities, including:

  • Increase in prostate-specific antigen (PSA)
  • Increase in red blood cell count
  • Lower sperm count or infertility

Is TRT Helpful for Testosterone Deficiency and Prediabetes?

Prediabetes is when the blood glucose levels are higher than usual. It is a risk factor for developing type 2 diabetes. Typically, doctors recommend eating healthy and exercising for treatment. However, research is ongoing on how testosterone therapy can help with prediabetes.

Researchers are studying prediabetic men at risk of developing type 2 diabetes and the effects of TRT. These studies continue to show testosterone injections may slow down or prevent type 2 diabetes. 

Prediabetics are often given weight loss suggestions. Long-term TRT can cause weight loss which also helps prevent diabetes type 2 and testosterone issues. 

TRT can also improve glycemic control in men with low testosterone and diabetes. Additionally, testosterone replacement therapy lowered the mortality rate of diabetes to 7.4 percent versus 16.1 percent of men not given TRT.

How do you Test for Low Testosterone Levels?

Due to the correlation between low testosterone and diabetes, people with diabetes should have their testosterone levels checked. The blood test is typically performed in the morning when levels are highest. To confirm a diagnosis, doctors may order a second test. 

Some medications affect testosterone levels. Therefore, these medications must be stopped before testing and include:

  • Steroids
  • Barbiturates
  • Anticonvulsants
  • Androgen or estrogen therapies

It is never recommended to stop these medications without your doctor’s knowledge and monitoring. 

Who Shouldn’t use Testosterone Replacement Therapy?

A side effect of testosterone replacement therapy is prostate growth. In early prostate cancer, testosterone may stimulate tumor growth. Therefore, TRT is not recommended for men with prostate cancer. 

Testosterone replacement therapy is also not recommended for those with:

  • Urinary symptoms due to an enlarged prostate
  • An unevaluated lump on prostate
  • A PSA above 4
  • Breast cancer
  • Higher-than-normal red blood cell count
  • Severe congestive heart failure
  • Untreated sleep apnea

How Can Androgenix Solutions Help Rebalance Hormones?

Are you struggling with weight gain and feeling down? Are you wondering where your sex drive went or why you struggle with erectile dysfunction? You may have low testosterone. 

At Androgenix Solutions in North Palm Beach, Florida, our testosterone therapy can rebalance the hormones aging is taking away. We rely on testing to develop a treatment plan, but we also listen to our patients and how their symptoms affect their lives. 

Our testosterone therapy has helped many men live balanced and happy lives. If Are you ready for heightened libido, easier erections, and shedding those unwanted pounds? Set up your consultation and get started today!

Can Vitamin and Amino Acid Injections Help Treat Low Testosterone and Diabetes?

Amino acids are the building blocks of proteins. They help with muscle and brain health. As people age, their amino acid levels decrease. However, at Androgenix Solutions in North Palm Beach, Florida, we offer amino acid injections. 

Vitamin and amino acid injections enhance overall health and balance brain chemicals. A simple urinalysis provides our medical team with the information to create a treatment plan for low testosterone and diabetes. Your treatment plan may include the following vitamins and amino acids.

D-Aspartic Acid

D-Aspartic Acid is a natural amino acid that increases follicle-stimulating and luteinizing hormones. These hormones stimulate the release of testosterone. However, too much of this amino acid may lower testosterone. 

Zinc

Zinc, a healthy mineral, is essential for body function. Low testosterone levels have been linked to zinc deficiency. At the same time, long-term zinc use may actually lower testosterone levels. 

Magnesium

Magnesium supplements may increase free and total testosterone levels. While active people may see more testosterone increases, magnesium also benefits sedentary people. 

Vitamin D

Sunlight allows the body to naturally produce vitamin D. People who spend most of their time inside may suffer from vitamin D deficiency. A study of men with low testosterone who also took 3300 IU of vitamin D increased their levels by 20 percent compared to those who didn’t take vitamin D.

Treating Low Testosterone and Diabetes Type 2 at Androgenix Solutions

At Angrogenix Solutions, our team of medical professionals can treat your low testosterone and diabetes type 2. Our individualized treatment plans will help you reach your health goals and feel invigorated. Contact us today to schedule your consultation.

References:

https://care.diabetesjournals.org/content/34/4/828.short

https://academic.oup.com/jcem/article/93/5/1834/2598879

https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/diseases/15603-low-testosterone-male-hypogonadism

https://academic.oup.com/jcem/article/104/5/1520/5413486

*Unless otherwise stated, individual results may vary depending on many factors not all patients “feel” or achieve the same results.