|  | Conditions Treatments | Diabetes

Relationship Between Hypogonadism & Diabetes

Type 2 diabetes can lead to health problems affecting the eyes, feet, skin, heart, blood pressure and mental health. Research suggests that men with Type 2 diabetes may be at an increased risk for hypogonadism, a condition that affects sexual function.

  1. Type 2 Diabetes

    • Type 2 diabetes affects the body's ability to respond to or produce enough insulin to regulate blood glucose levels. Excess weight is believed to be the leading cause of Type 2 diabetes.

    Hypogonadism

    • Hypogonadism is low testosterone production in males or low ovary function in females. In males, hypogonadism causes erectile dysfunction and diminished libido.

    Relationship

    • The Journal of Clinical Endocrinology and Metabolism studied 103 males with Type 2 diabetes and found that nearly one-third had hypogonadism.

    Contributing Factors

    • Obesity is a contributing factor to hypogonadism; however, only 10 to 15 percent of the hypogonadism discovered in the study could be contributed to weight.

    Significance

    • According to the study, in addition to affecting sexual function, hypogonadism is associated with "loss of muscle tone, increase in abdominal fat, loss of bone density, and can affect mood and cognition."

    Treatment

    • Hypogonadism can be treated with testosterone supplements, which are usually given in the form of a gel or a skin patch.

Diabetes - Related Articles