How Low Testosterone Affects Blood Sugar Levels

Low Testosterone and Blood Sugar: The Hidden Link

Can Low Testosterone Affect Blood Sugar Levels?

Yes. Low testosterone may increase blood sugar by reducing insulin sensitivity and increasing body fat. Testosterone therapy (TRT) can help normalise glucose levels and improve metabolic health.

Low T, also known as testosterone deficiency, occurs when the testicles produce little or no testosterone, a crucial hormone for the body.

Testosterone deficiency can cause various effects like fatigue, low sex drive, hot flashes, and loss of muscle and bone density. Researchers have also found that it might lead to high blood sugar levels. However, scientists are still investigating the connection between low testosterone and blood sugar levels.

Let's explore what experts have to say about the connection between low testosterone and blood sugar levels.

How Testosterone Regulates Blood Sugar

Testosterone is a male sex hormone that helps control the development of secondary sexual characteristics, body fat distribution, bone density, and other functions. Testosterone levels fluctuate throughout a man's life and begin to decline naturally after the age of 30.

Low testosterone (Low T) can cause many changes in the body, such as:

• Erectile dysfunction
  
  
• Low sperm count
  
  
• Low sex drive
  
  
• Increased body fat
  
  
• Loss of bone density
  
  
• Loss of muscle mass
  
  
• Mood swings
  
  
• Hot flashes

These symptoms can negatively impact your social and work life, making you less confident and productive.

Low testosterone levels might also raise your blood sugar levels and increase the risk of diabetes. The exact reason is unclear, but scientists are still studying it.

Some researchers think that low testosterone may make your body insulin-resistant. This means your cells can’t respond well to insulin, the hormone that moves extra blood sugar to fat tissue and the liver. Your body will try to produce more insulin to keep up, but it won't be enough, causing your blood sugar levels to rise.

If high blood sugar levels aren't controlled, they can harm your body, causing kidney and nerve damage, nausea, and blurred vision. It also increases the risk of diabetes. If you already have diabetes, low testosterone can make it harder to manage your blood sugar levels effectively.

Can Testosterone Therapy Improve Blood Sugar?

Testosterone replacement therapy (TRT) is a standard treatment for men with low testosterone. It involves giving extra testosterone to raise levels back to normal (between 300 and 1,000 nanograms per deciliter). TRT helps manage symptoms of low testosterone and improves overall health.

Men often report these benefits after starting TRT:

• Improved sex drive
  
  
• Increased bone density and muscle mass
  
  
• Better overall well-being
  
  
• Improved mood and more energy

Scientific Evidence Linking TRT and Blood Sugar

In addition to these benefits, TRT may also help manage blood sugar levels in men with low testosterone. Several studies support this finding, but further research is needed to gain a deeper understanding.

In a 2016 study, 94 men with type 2 diabetes were divided into two groups. One group received intramuscular testosterone (250 mg) every 2 weeks for 6 months, while the other group received a placebo (1 mL saline) for the same duration.

By the end of the study, researchers found that TRT led to the following changes in the first group:

• Improved insulin sensitivity
  
  
• Reduced subcutaneous fat mass
  
  
• Increased lean mass
  
  
• Reduced free fatty acids
  
  
• Lower levels of tumour necrosis factor-α

Scientists haven't figured out exactly why TRT affects blood sugar levels, but some think it’s because TRT reduces fat and increases muscle, both of which improve insulin sensitivity.

In another study, researchers looked at the effect of TRT on A1C levels, which measure blood sugar levels. A1C is a protein that attaches to sugar in the blood. Higher A1C levels indicate higher blood sugar.

Normal A1C levels are below 5.7%, while above 6.5% indicate diabetes. Levels between 5.7% and 6.4% indicate prediabetes.

Researchers studied A1C levels in diabetic men on TRT for 8 years. They found that TRT reduced their A1C levels from 7.87% to 5.99%, a significant drop that diabetes medications usually can't achieve.

Many other studies show similar results, likely because TRT improves body composition. Low testosterone negatively affects body composition, but TRT can reverse these changes.

Effects of Low Testosterone on Blood Sugar and Body

How Doctors Diagnose Low Testosterone

Testosterone levels decrease in men as they age, and some young men may also have low testosterone due to medical conditions. If your testosterone levels are below the healthy range, you might experience the symptoms of low T mentioned earlier.

If you suspect you have low testosterone, consult a healthcare provider and describe your symptoms. Share your symptoms and medical history with them.

They will perform a physical examination to check for changes caused by low testosterone and send a blood sample to a lab to test your testosterone levels. Levels below 300 nanograms per deciliter indicate low testosterone.

If you are diagnosed with low testosterone, the doctor will identify the cause and attempt to address it. If the cause is obesity, medications, or an unhealthy lifestyle, they might suggest lifestyle changes. Otherwise, they may prescribe Testosterone Replacement Therapy (TRT).

How Testosterone Replacement Therapy (TRT) Works

In TRT, you get a testosterone dose based on how low your levels are. There are different ways to take testosterone, like gels, injections, pellets, patches, and capsules. Learn the pros and cons of each form to choose the one that best fits your lifestyle, health, and budget.

How Doctors Adjust Your TRT Dosage

Your doctor will prescribe a testosterone dose based on your levels before starting treatment. They will ask you to monitor your symptoms and any side effects from TRT during the treatment.

Are your symptoms getting better? Are you having any side effects? Keep track of these questions and write down your answers to share with your doctor at your next visit.

The doctor may adjust your dose based on how it affects you. For example, if your testosterone levels haven't increased after 6 months, they might increase your dose. If you experience minor side effects, such as acne, ankle swelling, or breast tenderness, they may adjust your dose to ensure the treatment works optimally for you.

Your doctor will ask you to visit the clinic every 6 months to check your symptoms and side effects.

If you have serious side effects, contact your doctor immediately.

Is TRT Safe for Everyone? Who Should and Shouldn’t Use It?

TRT works well for many men, but it's not for everyone. If you have heart disease, a high risk of prostate cancer, or breast cancer, TRT might not be safe for you. It could make these conditions worse.

Men without these severe conditions are usually good candidates for TRT. Talk to a hormone specialist to see if TRT is right for you.

FAQs About Low Testosterone and Blood Sugar

Can low testosterone cause high blood sugar?

Yes. Low testosterone is linked to increased insulin resistance, which can raise blood sugar levels and diabetes risk.

Can TRT help manage diabetes or prediabetes?

Studies show that TRT may improve A1C and insulin sensitivity in men with type 2 diabetes or prediabetes.

Is testosterone therapy safe for men with blood sugar issues?

Generally yes, but you should be evaluated for cardiovascular risks and prostate health before starting TRT.

How fast does TRT affect blood sugar levels?

Some men see improved insulin response within 3–6 months, especially with concurrent fat loss and exercise.

Do all men with low testosterone have high blood sugar?

No, but men with both low T and poor metabolic health are more likely to experience elevated glucose levels.

Can TRT replace diabetes medication?

No. TRT is not a replacement for diabetes medication but may enhance blood sugar control alongside it.

Final Thoughts: Testosterone, Blood Sugar & Health

Low T can have various effects on the body, including elevated blood sugar levels in some men. Several studies show that testosterone replacement therapy can reduce low T symptoms and even normalise blood sugar levels. This might be because TRT reduces body fat and increases muscle mass.