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Low testosterone increases diabetes risk in men

Category: Diabetes

Blood tests indicating low testosterone levels may put men at a higher risk of developing diabetes, according to a new study conducted by researchers from the University of Edinburgh in Scotland.

For the study, the researchers blocked the function of testosterone in fat cells in one group of mice. The results showed these mice were significantly more likely to become obese and to develop insulin resistance than one that retained normal testosterone function.

The researchers said that testosterone is known to play an important role in the function of fat cells. However, it was not known that the hormone can be such a strong factor in influencing the development of metabolic disorders.

Findings from the study are significant because every man experiences a reduction in testosterone levels as they age. This hormonal change is less prominent in some men, but the fact that low testosterone levels may be a risk factor for diabetes suggests that large numbers of individuals may be in danger of experiencing metabolic problems.

Additionally, the team said their findings may help to explain why diabetes becomes more common in men as they age.