Publication:

Serum testosterone levels and clinical signs of hypogonadism in men with type 2 diabetes

Background Diabetes mellitus is a common metabolic disease that its association with low level of testosterone has already been shown in many studies. Considering the role of testosterone hormone in impotency, fatigue, and bone mass deficiency this study aimed to evaluate the total and free testosterone levels and clinical signs of hypogonadism in male patients with type 2 diabetes.

Methods In this descriptive-cross sectional study, sixty-five diabetic male patients aged 35-70 years were randomly selected and enrolled to the study. The necessary information such as patient demographics, BMI, past medical history, drug history, and history of smoking, education level and employment were completed by a checklist. Then, the patients were evaluated for total and free testosterone levels and symptoms related to decreased testosterone, hypogonadism symptoms by ADAM questionnaire. Finally, the data were statistical analyzed by spss version 21.

Results The mean age of patients was 57.12±4.7 years with age range of 38-69 years. According to the ADAM questionnaire, 51 (78.4%) of the patients were positive and 14 (21.6%) were negative. 16 (24.6%) of all patients had hypogonadism. Among ADAM positive patients, 46 (90.1%) had erectile dysfunction and 33 (64.7%) had decreased libido. Most people (75%) with hypogonadism had BMI more than 30.

Conclusions Testosterone levels are commonly found low in diabetic men, most of whom have symptoms of hypogonadism. Body mass index is known as an independent risk factor for hypogonadism in T2D men. There was also a significant correlation between free testosterone levels and hypogonadism.