Insulin resistance improves with testosterone replacement

Applying a testosterone gel patch daily improves insulin resistance in hypogonadal men with type 2 diabetes and/or metabolic syndrome, found researchers from the United Kingdom. The effect of once daily application of the gel for 1 year vs. its vehicle was studied in 220 middle-aged and older men, some who were already receiving treatment with metformin or other oral antidiabetic drugs.
     Compared with placebo, those randomized to the testosterone gel had a 16% decline in insulin resistance. Glycemic control was unaffected by testosterone replacement, but many of the men in the study had well-controlled diabetes, note the authors. Lipid levels improved among the men assigned to the testosterone gel relative to its vehicle.