Androgen deficiency, diabetes, and the metabolic syndrome in men

PURPOSE OF REVIEW: The burden of androgen deficiency in men with diabetes and the metabolic syndrome has become increasingly apparent in population-based studies. This article focuses on the mechanisms underlying the interdependent relationship between these conditions. RECENT FINDINGS: Various definitions of hypogonadism, the metabolic syndrome and diabetes have been proposed and are used in the literature. Cross-sectional studies have found that between 20 and 64% of men with diabetes have hypogonadism, with higher prevalence rates found in the elderly. Hypogonadism can be a risk factor for the development of diabetes and the metabolic syndrome through various mechanisms including changes in body composition; androgen receptor polymorphisms; glucose transport; and reduced antioxidant effect. Conversely, diabetes and the metabolic syndrome can be risk factors for hypogonadism through some similar but mostly distinct mechanisms, such as increased body weight; decreased sex hormone binding globulin levels; suppression of gonadotrophin release or Leydig cell testosterone production; cytokine-mediated inhibition of testicular steroid production; and increased aromatase activity contributing to relative estrogen excess. SUMMARY: The relationship between diabetes, the metabolic syndrome and androgen deficiency is complex. Testosterone supplementation, by either oral or intramuscular routes and through exogenous or endogenous delivery, has a promising role in this population although further clinical trials are needed.