Changes in Testosterone Levels

Testosterone levels in men begin to decrease starting around age forty, eventually leading to what some have called “male menopause” or andropause, which brings with it an increased cardiovascular risk, loss of muscle and bone mass, and a waning libido. Other signs of declining testosterone can include lower sperm count, body hair loss, and even hot flashes.
Men with diabetes tend to have a lower-than-average testosterone level. The classic “apple-shaped” body of type 2 diabetes, also known variously as intra-abdominal fat or central fat storage (or, in more familiar terms, beer belly), is associated with low testosterone levels in men. Also known as hypogonadism, this condition is also associated with high levels of circulating insulin (hyperinsulinemia) and increased insulin resistance. Low levels of the hormone are thought to affect glucose metabolism; some studies have linked improved glucose tolerance with testosterone replacement therapy.

Essential

While low levels of testosterone are thought to be associated with central obesity, the opposite is true for women, in whom high levels of the hormone are tied to excess abdominal fat and insulin resistance.

HRT — Not Just for Women

Testosterone replacement therapy, in the form of injections or a transdermal (through the skin) gel or patch, may be beneficial to many older men with low testosterone levels. The jury is still out on whether this therapy can slow or even prevent the onset of type 2 diabetes by inhibiting intra-abdominal fat accumulation.