Also known as testosterone deficiency syndrome or hypogonadism, low testosterone levels in men have a lot of symptoms similar to the ones of type 2 diabetes. According to health statistics, both of these conditions go hand in hand

The connection between diabetes and low testosterone might seem different at first but they are associated to each other. Actually, men are twice as likely to develop low testosterone levels with type 2 diabetes as those without diabetes. But it doesn’t mean that testosterone deficiency can be the cause of diabetes, though they are linked with each other.

There are also chances that some of the lifestyle factors are responsible to increase the risk of diabetes as well as low testosterone.

But the best thing is that certain treatments, exercise and healthy diet are helpful in both diabetes and low testosterone.

Risk of Low Testosterone in Males

Testosterone levels naturally start to reduce in men when they reach around 40 years of age and it will continue to decline by around 1% to 2% every year. Low testosterone levels are found usually in men who have type 2 diabetes. According to NHS Diabetes, over 16% of males have lower than normal testosterone levels with type 2 diabetes and other 24% of males have testosterone levels reduced to edge of low levels.

Common symptoms of reduced testosterone levels

Here are some of the common symptoms to watch out for –

• Erectile dysfunction
• Reduced libido
• Lower frequency of morning erection
• Increased fat, especially around the waist
• Fatigue
• Reduced physical strength and muscle density
• Low self-confidence and motivation
• High sweating

Causes of Low Testosterone Levels

Here are the factors listed which can reduce the ability of your body to work with testosterone and lower testosterone levels –

• Chemotherapy or radiation therapy
• Aging
• Corticosteroids usage
• Stress

According to the NHS, smoking and lack of regular exercise are the major contributing factors to cause hypogonadism in males.

How to Diagnose?

If you have a lot of symptoms along with evidence of reduced testosterone level in the morning, Hypogonadism can be diagnosed. You may be asked to have blood test by your GP to ensure that you have lower testosterone levels.

Treatment

There are certain symptoms caused due to stress. The condition may be cured with proper exercise and therapies like mindfulness and cognitive behavioral therapy. If it is confirmed that you have low testosterone levels, your doctor may suggest you to undergo testosterone replacement therapy to recover normal hormone levels and relieve symptoms.

Are low testosterone levels menopausal symptoms?

Low testosterone levels are often described in terms of andropause or male menopause. But, according to NHS, women have tremendous loss of sex hormones after and during the menopause. Hence, loss of testosterone levels in men must be gradual.

Testosterone is the important sex hormone in men. It controls the sex drive in men as well the development of secondary characteristics, such as tastes, body and facial hair, and penis. It also protects bone and muscle health. Deficiency of testosterone is caused due to several chronic conditions like metabolic disorders and type 2 Diabetes.