Low Testosterone Causal Lead to Type 2 Diabetes Unclear

More studies needed to determine effect on adverse clinical outcomes….

Kitty Kit Ting Cheung and colleagues from the Hong Kong Institute of Diabetes and Obesity, Prince of Wales Hospital, Hong Kong examined the implications of testosterone levels on cardiovascular CV risk factors, metabolic syndrome, and adverse clinical outcomes.

The researchers note that there is continuing evidence that lower serum testosterone levels are associated with those suffering from type 2 diabetes. There are multiple sources of evidence that indicate a possible causal role of low serum testosterone levels in the population specifically with type 2 diabetes and obesity.

Data from epidemiological studies confirm inverse correlations between serum testosterone levels and aging, metabolic syndrome, CVD and CVD-related and all-cause mortality.

The researchers stated, “In conclusion, a review of the literature has identified multiple mechanisms supportive of the effects of low serum testosterone levels on causing insulin resistance, obesity, vascular dysfunction and inflammation.”

The results from this study cannot support the implementation of regularly checking testosterone levels in asymptomatic men with type 2 diabetes, and cannot act as an independent predictor of low testosterone on adverse clinical outcomes. Further research is necessary to truly define the association and its implications on this patient population.

Practice Pearls:

• Evidence continues to indicate lower serum testosterone levels are associated with those suffering from type 2 diabetes.
• Data from epidemiological studies confirm inverse correlations between serum testosterone levels and aging, metabolic syndrome, CVD and CVD-related and all-cause mortality.
• Further research is necessary to truly define the association and its implications on this patient population.

Cheung K. et al. Testosterone level in men with type 2 diabetes mellitus and related metabolic effects: A review of current evidence. Journal of Diabetes Investigation. 3 Nov 2014. 5 Dec 2014.