Low testosterone may contribute to diabetes risk

Millions of men develop testosterone deficiencies as they age. New research suggests that this may put individuals at an elevated risk of developing diabetes, which could require them to buy Actos.

In the study, researchers from the University of Edinburgh in Scotland analyzed the effect of impairing the function of testosterone in fat cells. The hormone is known to play a role in regulating the activity of these cells.

The results showed that these mice were significantly more likely to become obese and develop insulin resistance than mice with normal testosterone function.

The researchers said the findings may help explain why older men face such an elevated risk of developing diabetes as they age. While not everyone will develop a testosterone deficiency, hormone levels do drop somewhat for all men.

"This study shows that low testosterone is a risk factor for diabetes no matter how much a person weighs. As men age their testosterone levels lower. This, along with increasing obesity, will increase the incidence of diabetes," said lead researcher Kerry McInnes.