Studies Find a Correlation Between Low T and Diabetes
Recent studies have found a connection between low testosterone levels and diabetes. This is not a new discovery. However, in the past, it had been written off due to the fact that advancing age was the leading culprit in the endocrine disease called hypogonadism.
Also, type 2 diabetes usually presents with advancing age. This, paired with the fact that overweight men (who often have type 2 diabetes) appear to have lower testosterone, has led the medical community to accept this as a simple coincidence.
However, more recent studies have found a closer link between the two conditions.
To Better Comprehend the Connection, We Must First Understand Hypogonadism
In primary hypogonadism the testes make less free testosterone due to aging while still producing high amounts of sex hormone binding globulin (SHBG). These stimulating hormones are released from the pituitary gland and act as a carrier for testosterone.
Testing these hormone levels alone can be misleading because an individual may have a high SHBG count, but have low total testosterone. Obese men tend to have the opposite anomaly. Their SHBG levels are low, but have normal testosterone levels.
New Studies Linking Low with Type 2 Diabetes
Let us first go back to what we learned about hypogonadism. In primary hypogonadism, the testes wear out and therefore make less testosterone. However, recent studies have proven that out of 103 men studied with type 2 diabetes, one third had low total and free testosterone levels. Most remarkably, the subjects show no sign of primary hypogonadism.
How This Effects Men with Erectile Dysfunction
Diabetic men who suffer from ED may not realize that this may be a treatable condition. They don’t realize that they may benefit from testosterone replacement therapy, simply blaming nerve damage for their condition.
What Are Some Signs of Low Testosterone
The most common signs of low testosterone include fatigue, decreased libido, weak erections, bone loss, weight gain, loss of body hair, anemia, poor sleeping patterns, declining muscle mass and depression.
New Hope on the Horizon for Type 2 Diabetics
Although these results are promising, more studies need to be conducted in order to verify these already encouraging results. Type 2 diabetics will soon be able to benefit from routine testosterone checks and specialized centers, such as a Denver low T treatment medical clinic which provides hormone therapy in Denver.
Low T Medical Clinic offers testosterone replacement therapies at two Denver locations. Contact us today if you are interested in learning more about the connection between low testosterone, diabetes, and erectile dysfunction.
Remember, it is your body and you know it best. If you feel like you may be suffering from low testosterone, contact a doctor right away. You do not have to live with the symptoms. There are new and exciting therapies available!