When your testosterone levels drop, so too does your ‘get up and go’.
Low testosterone — also known as testosterone deficiency — can cause symptoms such as fatigue, low libido, ED, and mood changes. It can also lead to other health conditions like high blood pressure and Type 2 diabetes.
But it’s not an irreversible diagnosis to receive. Not with Testosterone Replacement Therapy available.
What is low testosterone?
Testosterone is the hormone responsible for reproductive development, maintaining muscle strength, and the creation of new blood cells. When the production of testosterone slows down in the testes, to below 300 nanograms per deciliter (ng/dL) according to The American Urology Association, this is known as low testosterone (or Low-T).
A man’s testosterone level tends to decline with age, meaning that older men have a higher risk of developing Low-T.
Low testosterone and Type 2 diabetes — what’s the link?
Clinical studies have shown that male diabetics have lower testosterone levels on average than non-diabetics. This increases the likelihood of testosterone deficiency symptoms, which according to study data may affect approximately 40% of male Type 2 diabetics.
At the same time, hypogonadal patients — men with a proven testosterone deficiency — also have a higher risk of developing Type 2 diabetes in the future than men with normal hormone levels.
The reason for the two-sided relationship between testosterone deficiency and diabetes has not yet been conclusively investigated. However, some experts suggest that impaired testosterone function can lead to weight gain which can lead to Type 2 diabetes.
How Testosterone Replacement Therapy can help
Testosterone replacement therapy (TRT) is used to treat severe testosterone deficiency. During the treatment, missing testosterone is replaced and the testosterone level is normalized again.
There are several treatment options available: testosterone and other hormones can be administered through injections, capsules, creams, and gels.
TRT can bring many benefits such as weight loss, decreased belly fat, improvements in erectile dysfunction, increased energy, and better concentration and focus. Typically, patients begin to see results within two to three months, with optimal benefits usually achieved after six months of therapy.
TRT for prediabetic patients
Interestingly, studies have found that TRT can assist men with prediabetes (a condition associated with higher than average blood glucose levels). In the research, it was seen that testosterone injections may help prevent or slow down the progression to Type 2 diabetes.
Physicians also recommend weight-loss strategies to prediabetic patients and that’s another way that long-term TRT can help.
TRT and decrease of insulin resistance
Another study found that testosterone therapy was able to decrease insulin resistance and that the patients’ glycemic control improved. Other improvements that patients experienced were improved cholesterol levels, LDL cholesterol, and sexual function.
TRT — is it for me?
Testosterone Replacement Therapy is designed for men with proven Low-T and the bloodwork to support this diagnosis. If you think you’re suffering from low testosterone, then make an appointment with a hormone replacement therapy specialist as your first step.
Our quick, interactive quiz will help you make sense of your symptoms too.
