Does Low Testosterone Influence Type 2 Diabetes?
Recently, there has been evidence linking low testosterone levels in men and the likelihood that they will develop Type 2 Diabetes; in fact, men with normal testosterone levels are less likely to develop Type 2 Diabetes.
A report in the Journal of Diabetes Care, authored by scientific researchers, states that when men have low to normal testosterone levels they will have a higher tendency to develop diabetes than men with higher testosterone levels, regardless of their level of obesity. Dr. Elizabeth Selvin, a doctor from Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health in Baltimore, commented that research studies are increasingly showing lower testosterone levels could be an indicator of the future onset of diabetes; she also noted that men suffering from diabetes usually have low testosterone levels.
Hypogonadism is the medical term for low testosterone, and it is presumed to be an issue with roughly 13 million adult males in the US. As a man ages, he experiences certain health issues including less healthy function, lower libido, lower density of bodily and facial hair and weaker bone strength. The condition an also cause muscular wasting and above all, can lead to diabetes.
An aging man will experience a decline in his levels of testosterone, which is a very important hormone, or androgen. This occurrence is known as Andropause and is similar to the menopausal phase encountered by aging women. It is estimated that over one-third of all men above the age of forty-five have lower than normal testosterone levels.
Every man with Type 2 Diabetes should inquire into his testosterone levels, for research has shown that about one-third of men having this condition are also affected by low testosterone.
In fact, men that are older and are affected by obesity, diabetes, and/or high blood pressure could have two times the tendency to have lower than normal testosterone levels when compared with other men their age, as stated in a recent health study.
Research has also discovered that over one-third of all men over the age of 45 did have sub-normal testosterone levels, and that those who have chronic health conditions have a higher rate of having low testosterone.
Prominent doctors as well as those without extensive medical knowledge have failed to see the overwhelmingly positive aspects of healthy testosterone levels in a man's body. As a man ages, it is desirable for him to keep many of the characteristics of his youth, and using supplemental testosterone can be an easy and reasonably priced way to achieve that. Since it is also very safe,it could potentially bring competition to all the drug companies that currently produce medications that deal with the symptoms of aging. In other words, if testosterone supplementation increases in popularity, drug profits will suffer drastically!
Every man should examine his testosterone levels, especially upon reaching the age of 35. In addition, his blood lipid level and glucose level should be checked, as well as his antigen level in his prostate. These tests determine his overall state of health and can indicate whether he can benefit from the replacement of testosterone in his body.
When one receives his lab results, the total amount of testosterone will be shown as measured between the range of 251 and 1000 ng/dL; in addition, his amount of circulating and thus bioavailable testosterone is also measured and can be examined.
Hopefully more physicians will begin to test for glucose tolerance and also measure the level of insulin that coincides with it, as these factors are often overlooked by medical professionals. When the level of glucose tolerance is no longer at its best, a condition called metabolic syndrome can occur. In addition, one is at risk for pre-diabetes and an inability to withstand insulin. Glycated hemoglobin appears within red blood cells when glucose molecularly attaches to hemoglobin upon the rise of one's blood sugar. This form of hemoglobin, also known as glycosylated hemoglobin, takes the scientific acronym of HbA1c. One can expect to endure complications of a diabetic nature once HbA1c levels go above six percent, and this is a factor that suggests a rise in blood sugar over a longer period of time.
It has been proven that the utilization of testosterone to aid those who suffer from diabetes (adult-onset) can be very beneficial, especially if they are already actively improving their condition through proper diet and the use of medication. One can expect that through testosterone therapy a noticeable improvement of HbA1c levels can be achieved, which can lead to one no longer having to take oral hypoglycemic medication. Another benefit is the reduction in the need for insulin, by as much as one-half what was previously necessary. A man might find a renewed vigor for life, and notice a slimmer waistline and superior ability to exercise.
In essence, one can actually change the course of diabetes, and even reduce the need for diabetic medication over the course of one's life by changing the level of testosterone to that of a youthful person. Aging men can use testosterone therapy to gain more energy and once again feel that youthful vigor. Above that, medical records have proven to show an improvement with one's blood sugar level, libido health, and the ability to heal from wounds, resulting in better resilience for any man.