Testosterone Levels Dip With Diabetes

By Cara

Tuesday, May 4, 2010, 15:07

Obese men are more likely to have lower levels of sex hormone, testosterone, when compared to other men.

Published in the journal Diabetes Care, the study conducted by University at Buffalo, endocrinologists proved that obese people had lower than normal testosterone readings. 50 per cent of those who were overweight were diagnosed with diabetes.

The body mass index (BMI) is related to the height and weight of a person and when the BMI increases, the levels of testosterone decreases.

Like weight gain, lower levels of testosterone is a result of diabetes. "The effect of diabetes on lowering testosterone levels was similar to that of a weight gain of approximately 20 pounds," says Sandeep Dhindsa, a specialist on Endocrinology.

"In view of the fact that almost one-third of the U.S. is obese, these observations have profound pathophysiological, clinical, epidemiological and public health implications," he added.

Men diagnosed with type 2 diabetes, have higher prevalence of low testosterone levels. The association of low testosterone with diabetes has been confirmed by many researchers.