Men with type 2 diabetes and low testosterone levels experienced better control of their diabetes when they received testosterone replacement therapy in addition to exercising and changing their diets, according to a new study. The one-year study results will be presented Tuesday, June 5, at The Endocrine Society’s 89th Annual Meeting in Toronto.

Lifestyle changes such as a healthy diet and physical activity help people with diabetes improve metabolic control, including blood sugar and cholesterol levels. However, success rates depend on the patient’s adherence to a healthier lifestyle, said the study’s principal investigator, Dr. Armin Heufelder, an endocrinologist in Munich, Germany.

Diabetic men commonly also have low levels of testosterone, the primary male sex hormone, Heufelder said. Past studies have shown that when glycosylated hemoglobin, which reflects diabetes control over time, is too high, testosterone levels drop.

Heufelder and his co-workers performed a study in 32 diabetic men with testosterone deficiency, to evaluate the metabolic benefit of combining testosterone therapy and lifestyle counseling. The men ranged in age from 35 to 70. Two groups of 16 men each followed a 12-month program of moderate exercise and ate a reduced-calorie Mediterranean-type diet. This diet emphasizes fresh fruits and vegetables, grains, fish and small amounts of lean meat. One group of men also applied testosterone gel to their skin daily, to restore their blood testosterone levels to normal.

The group that received testosterone supplementation had significantly better blood sugar and cholesterol levels than the group that used only diet and exercise. The testosterone group also had lower concentrations of glycosylated hemoglobin.

“Testosterone replacement should be considered as part of the treatment plan in diabetic males with testosterone deficiency,” Heufelder said.

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