Testosterone: the new diabetes drug for men?

Hundreds of men have been lining up to participate in a study on diabetes.

The reason? Free testosterone injections.

Gary Wittert, a professor of medicine at the University of Adelaide, says that testosterone might not only provide some crucial anti-aging benefits for men, but it could also help prevent a type of later-life diabetes from developing.

Testosterone use climbing

According to the National Institutes of Health, 5 million American men don't produce enough testosterone, and one European study showed that about one in five men over 50 is moderately or severely lacking in the hormone. This research combined with heavy marketing has lead to a big jump in testosterone-related drug sales.

“[Men] think testosterone is the essence of manhood and it will prolong their youthful vigor forever,” said David Handelsman, a professor of medicine at the University of Sydney. “They’re persuaded because sex sells and anything to do with sex and reproduction is easy to market."

Hormones and diabetes

Experts note that testosterone levels - which are in the normal range when between 8-27 nanomolars per liter in healthy, young men - should be kept above 15 to help minimize body fat accumulation and protect against low libido. One German study showed that testosterone injections can help obese men lose weight, lower blood sugar and improve blood pressure levels as well.

Wittert's study will aim to include 1,500 pre-diabetic men with low testosterone levels and high waist circumferences. In addition to testosterone treatments, the men will also have access to a weight loss program.

“It’s going to be big undertaking, but we will get an answer,” said Handelsman. “No other study of that scale and ambition is under way anywhere in the world to my knowledge.”

Source: NewsMax Health
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