Low Testosterone and Blood Sugar: The Interconnected Health Risks

Explore how low testosterone and high blood sugar levels interact, increasing risks for diabetes and overall metabolic health

By Medha deb

Created on Sep 25, 2025

Explore how low testosterone and high blood sugar levels interact, increasing risks for diabetes and overall metabolic health

Understanding the Connection Between Low Testosterone and Blood Sugar Levels

Blood sugar regulation and testosterone production are two vital physiological processes. Emerging research reveals a significant interaction between low testosterone and high blood sugar, with each increasing the likelihood of developing conditions such as type 2 diabetes and metabolic syndrome. Comprehending this interplay offers valuable insight into men’s health and provides actionable guidance for management and prevention.

What Is Testosterone and Why Does It Matter?

Testosterone is a steroid hormone produced primarily in the testicles. It’s responsible for regulating male sexual development, influencing muscle and bone mass, red blood cell production, and overall mood and energy levels. Normally, adult males have testosterone levels ranging between 270–1070 ng/dL.

Sexual function: Directly affects libido and erectile function.
Physical health: Maintains muscle mass, bone density, and fat distribution.
Metabolic roles: Influences blood sugar regulation and insulin sensitivity.

Blood Sugar: Its Role in Overall Health

Blood sugar, or blood glucose, is a fundamental energy source for the body. The hormone insulin helps cells absorb glucose for energy. Proper regulation is essential to avoid hyperglycemia (high blood sugar) and hypoglycemia (low blood sugar), both of which can cause serious health complications if left unmanaged.

Links Between Low Testosterone and High Blood Sugar

Recent studies highlight a two-way relationship: men with low testosterone are much more likely to develop insulin resistance and diabetes, while pre-existing metabolic issues can also lower testosterone levels.

Insulin resistance: When the body’s tissues respond poorly to insulin, glucose builds up in the blood, total demand for insulin increases, and testosterone production drops.
Testosterone’s metabolic influence: Facilitates the absorption of blood sugar by responding to insulin. Reduced testosterone impairs tissues’ ability to absorb glucose, perpetuating high blood sugar.
High blood sugar’s hormonal effects: Elevated glucose interferes with the pituitary’s release of luteinizing hormone, a key trigger for testosterone production.

Condition	Testosterone Level	Blood Sugar/Insulin	Key Effects
Healthy Male	270–1070 ng/dL	Normal, responsive	Optimal energy, sexual, metabolic health
Low Testosterone	<270 ng/dL	Insulin resistance, high blood sugar	Increased diabetes risk, fatigue, obesity, metabolic syndrome
Type 2 Diabetes	Often low (<350 ng/dL)	High insulin, persistent high glucose	Further hormonal imbalances, chronic health complications

Scientific Research and Evidence

Population studies show a strong association between low testosterone and type 2 diabetes. Men with diabetes frequently have lower testosterone than those without. Importantly, men who are obese or have existing diabetes show disproportionately lower testosterone values.

Odds of low testosterone are 2.1x higher for men with diabetes than healthy men.
About 50% of men with diabetes have clinically low testosterone when randomly tested.
Low testosterone is linked to increased visceral fat and muscle loss, both contributing to further insulin resistance and metabolic disruption.

Although testosterone therapy improves body composition, effects on insulin sensitivity and blood sugar control are modest and not always statistically significant. Lifestyle changes remain foundational for long-term improvement.

Symptoms of Low Testosterone

Men with low testosterone may experience a range of symptoms, many of which overlap with symptoms of diabetes and related metabolic disorders:

Low sex drive
Difficulty achieving erection
Decreased semen volume
Premature hair loss
Fatigue
Loss of muscle mass
Increased body fat
Decreased bone density
Mood changes
Issues with memory or concentration
Smaller testicle size
Anemia

Diabetes and Testosterone: A Two-Way Relationship

Type 2 Diabetes

Type 2 diabetes is closely tied to obesity, insulin resistance, and impaired glucose metabolism. Men suffering from type 2 diabetes are roughly twice as likely to have low testosterone as those without.

Elevated insulin and glucose disrupt hormone production in the testicles and lower serum testosterone levels.
High visceral fat generates more inflammatory hormones and compounds, also lowering testosterone.

Type 1 Diabetes

In contrast, research has not shown a consistent link between type 1 diabetes and low testosterone. Patients with type 1 diabetes may actually show higher average testosterone levels compared to controls.

Type 1 diabetes results from a lack of insulin production, not insulin resistance.
Impaired glucose regulation occurs, but does not significantly decrease testosterone levels.

Metabolic Syndrome and Obesity: Additional Risk Factors

Metabolic syndrome refers to a cluster of conditions associated with increased cardiovascular and diabetes risk—including abdominal obesity, high blood pressure, high triglyceride levels, low HDL cholesterol, and raised fasting blood sugar. Men suffering from metabolic syndrome frequently present with low testosterone levels, further increasing susceptibility to diabetes and associated complications.

Obese men: 2.4x higher odds of low testosterone than healthy controls.
Low testosterone both results from and amplifies obesity-linked insulin resistance.

Diagnosis: Testing Testosterone and Blood Sugar

If you experience symptoms associated with low testosterone or poorly controlled blood sugar, a physician may recommend specific laboratory tests:

Total testosterone: Measures overall serum levels; morning sampling is preferred.
Blood glucose: Assesses fasting or postprandial glucose control.
Hemoglobin A1c: Reflects average glucose levels over past 2–3 months.
Insulin sensitivity tests: Used to diagnose insulin resistance.

Management and Treatment Options

Treatment for low testosterone and impaired glucose regulation encompasses medication, lifestyle changes, and sometimes testosterone replacement therapy (TRT). However, TRT is not routinely recommended for men with diabetes until further evidence clarifies risks and benefits.

Lifestyle Strategies

Regular exercise: Improves insulin sensitivity, boosts testosterone naturally, and aids with weight loss.
Healthy diet: Emphasize leafy greens, lean protein, fatty fish, and minimize processed sugars; such habits improve both hormonal balance and glucose control.
Maintain healthy weight: Reduces visceral fat accumulation and helps restore testosterone levels.
Quality sleep: Prioritize enough rest to support both metabolic and endocrine health.
Moderate alcohol intake: Excessive drinking negatively impacts testosterone and glucose regulation.
Stress management: Chronic stress impairs testosterone production and worsens insulin resistance.

Medications

Anti-diabetic medications: Control blood sugar and may improve hormonal balance.
Testosterone therapy: Reserved for documented androgen deficiency; shown to help body composition but may offer limited glucose control improvements.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q: Does low testosterone cause diabetes?

A: While low testosterone is strongly linked to type 2 diabetes, research suggests a bidirectional relationship. Low testosterone increases insulin resistance and risk for diabetes, while diabetes and poor metabolic health can suppress testosterone production.

Q: What are the warning signs of low testosterone?

A: Common symptoms include reduced libido, fatigue, increased body fat, loss of muscle mass, erectile dysfunction, mood changes, and memory problems.

Q: Can testosterone therapy help improve blood sugar control?

A: Testosterone replacement may help body composition and muscle mass, but evidence for direct improvement in insulin sensitivity or blood sugar regulation is modest. Lifestyle modifications are more consistently beneficial.

Q: Is there a relationship between type 1 diabetes and testosterone?

A: No clear link has been observed. Some research even shows higher testosterone values in type 1 diabetes compared to the control population.

Q: What lifestyle changes can help?

A: Exercise, healthy eating (lots of leafy greens, fish, low sugar intake), adequate sleep, and weight loss are the most effective strategies to normalize testosterone and blood glucose.

Actionable Steps to Protect Hormonal & Metabolic Health

For men at risk of or living with diabetes, these measures provide dual support:

Get annual screening for testosterone and glucose levels if you have symptoms or risk factors.
Implement lifestyle interventions (diet, exercise, sleep hygiene) as first-line therapy.
Discuss symptoms with your healthcare provider for personalized management.
Consider vitamin D and omega-3 supplementation if indicated.
Be aware that testosterone therapy carries risks—consult an endocrinologist before considering.

Sources

Ultrahuman: How Does Testosterone Affect Blood Glucose Levels?
PubMed: Low Testosterone in Men with Type 2 Diabetes
WebMD: Low Testosterone and Your Health
Numan: Diabetes and Low Testosterone Relationship

References

Author

medha deb

Medha Deb is an editor with a master's degree in Applied Linguistics from the University of Hyderabad. She believes that her qualification has helped her develop a deep understanding of language and its application in various contexts.

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