DOES TESTOSTERONE PLAY A ROLE IN TYPE II DIABETES?
Testosterone, a hormone produced by both men and women, is not new to endocrinologists as a treatment for diabetes. European clinicians have used testosterone to treat severe cases of diabetes since the 1960s and 1970s. Supplementing to normal testosterone levels of a healthy 25- to 30-year-old man raises HDL cholesterol and reduces blood pressure, triglycerides, and abdominal obesity. However, of equal importance, testosterone appears to lower blood glucose and insulin levels, along with HbA1c (a reflection of blood glucose levels over the last 2-3 months). Edward M. Lichten, M.D., voiced excitement concerning testosterone’s ability to stabilize blood sugar levels, citing near miraculous results, evidenced by the following case studies: • A 43-year-old male experienced a drop in blood sugar levels from 450 mg/dL to 160 mg/dL in 6 weeks. Insulin requirements were adjusted from 100 units a day to 50 units. Treatment consisted of testosterone pellets implanted in subcutaneous tissue. • A
