How Testosterone Therapy Benefits Men with Diabetes
There are many reasons why men seek testosterone therapy. Oftentimes, they undergo testosterone therapy for non-medical goals such as enhancing sexual performance, building muscle, and improving energy levels. Recent studies show that testosterone therapy can also help men with diabetes. Specifically, it benefits men with type 2 diabetes. The Harley Institute is your source for testosterone therapy in Atlanta area and we are thrilled to share some information on these benefits. If you have specific questions or would like to schedule an appointment with our doctor, then call the Harley Institute to get in touch with a friendly representative.
About Diabetes
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, more than 34 million people in the United States have diabetes and approximately 90 percent of those with diabetes have type 2 diabetes.
As you may know, body cells use glucose for energy. Insulin, a crucial hormone produced in the pancreas, helps cells absorb that glucose from the bloodstream. Those with diabetes have too much glucose, or sugar, in their bloodstream because of two common reasons. In people with type 1 diabetes, the pancreas does not produce enough insulin, and in people with type 2 diabetes, the body cells are unaffected by insulin.
In both cases, glucose levels reach high and unhealthy levels. This can cause health complications including, but not limited to, heart disease, nerve damage, vision problems, obesity, and kidney damage.
Type 2 diabetes is more common among men than among women. Incidentally, about half of men with type 2 diabetes have low serum testosterone levels.
The Effects of Testosterone
Produced primarily in men in the testicles, testosterone is responsible for sperm production, sex drive, muscle mass, and bone mass among other things. It also helps the body absorb glucose. While men with normal levels of testosterone develop subcutaneous fat right beneath the skin, those with low testosterone levels tend to develop visceral fat deep within the abdomen. This visceral fat can wrap around organs and cause chronic diseases and health problems. Visceral fat around the liver and pancreas can disrupt insulin production and increase insulin resistance.
Studies estimate that about a quarter to half of men with type 2 diabetes have low testosterone levels. They are yet to determine whether diabetes causes low testosterone or if low testosterone causes type 2 diabetes. However, a new study does suggest that raising testosterone levels can reverse type 2 diabetes in men.
Schedule Your Flexible Appointment
If you are still unsure about testosterone therapy, then feel free to call the Harley Institute to get in touch with a friendly representative and arrange a consultation. We are happy to answer any question and address your concerns. Once you have decided to move forward with testosterone therapy, we can schedule a flexible appointment. As mentioned earlier, the symptoms of low testosterone range from low libido and energy levels to serious health problems. If you have type 2 diabetes and are looking for ways to solve it, then consider a testosterone therapy session.
