Call for an instant quote 0345 90 80 161
Open Mon to Fri 09:00 - 17:30 | Sat 09:00 - 16:00 (GMT)
Or call 0345 90 80 161
03 December 2015 07:38
Boosting testosterone may help some diabetes patients
Male hormone replacement therapy may play a key future role for type-2 diabetic men, a new study suggests.
Testosterone boosts have been found to markedly increase the insulin sensitivity of volunteers originally lacking in it.
Type-2 diabetes patients typically fail to react to insulin.
Five years ago, the same US researchers discovered that low levels of the hormone are closely linked to the disease among male patients.
What the study found
The Buffalo-based New York State University's Paresh Dandona led the research, which analysed 44 diabetic men with low male hormone rates.
They were split into two groups over 24 weeks: one receiving dummy placebo injections, the other getting male hormone jabs.
Prof Dandona's team found that testosterone injections resulted in men:
- seeing their body reaction to insulin rising by nearly a third (32%). This was measured by glucose tissue uptake
- losing over 6lbs in body fat
- gaining over 6lbs in muscle
- experiencing a greater activation of insulin-signalling genes
The Diabetes Care journal has printed the study's results.
Medication reassurance
Regular medication at the recommended times is key to sound management of the condition.
Sufferers going on foreign holidays can be reassured that 24/7 emergency health cover and replacement medication are offered by diabetes travel insurance.
What the experts say
Prof Dandona says that no other study in the past has conclusively revealed that testosterone sensitises insulin, making it a so-called metabolic hormone.
He says his team worked on the assumption that the male hormone may not only be an insulin-sensitising agent, but an anti-inflammatory too.
Prof Dandona says that it has long been established that the hormone raises the amount of skeletal muscle, while lowering body fat.
15 May 2019
Get inspired for a summer of music, travel and adventure with our guide to some of the best music festivals around Europe.
[more...]
07 May 2019
Thinking of visiting Spain? There are some excellent reasons to explore the country this spring and summer, from football finals to eating snails - so don't miss out!
Want to learn a new language without the hassle of going to classes? Check out our guide to the best free apps on the market and get yourself holiday-ready in no time.
03 May 2019
Why are there two bank holidays in May? Why do we celebrate May Day? These questions and more are answered in our look at the origins of the May bank holidays...
30 April 2019
Experience the magic of Matera! The 2019 European Capital of Culture, Southern Italy's famous ancient city of caves is the perfect place for a weekend away.
Get inspired for a last-minute getaway this bank holiday weekend! We explore five alternative European city break destinations perfect for a weekend away.
18 April 2019
How much do you know about Spain? Read up on some fascinating facts about Spain and learn more about magical mice, liquid gold and big pay-outs.
16 April 2019
Keen to see first-hand who gets crowned champions of Europe? Europe's biggest football match takes place in Madrid: here's your guide to everything you need to know.
Going away with your children? Beat the stress of travelling with your family with these great travel tips. Here's what you need to know if you're travelling with kids this Easter.
Heading to Madrid? Here's our guide to six must-see places you should visit in the Spanish capital, from food markets to fine art and plenty in between.
10 April 2019
Experience the magic of Madrid's Fiesta de San Isidro 2019! Discover where to stay, what to eat and what to see as you explore one of Spain's greatest festivals.
Experience Seville's intoxicating Feria de Abril and discover Andalucía's most famous festival! Here's your ultimate guide to La Feria.