How Low Testosterone Affects Blood Sugar Levels

How Low Testosterone Affects Blood Sugar Levels

How Low Testosterone Affects Blood Sugar Levels


Low testosterone can make it harder for the body to control blood sugar and may increase the risk of diabetes. Studies show that men with lower testosterone levels are more likely to have problems with insulin. Insulin is the hormone that helps move sugar from the blood into the cells, where it is used for energy (
University of Edinburgh).

Most people think testosterone only affects things like muscle strength or sex drive. In reality, it also plays a role in mood, energy and the way the body uses food for fuel. When testosterone levels are too low, the body may find it harder to keep blood sugar balanced. Over time, this can raise the chances of developing health problems such as type 2 diabetes.

In this blog, you will learn about the link between testosterone and blood sugar. We will look at what the science says about low testosterone and diabetes. You will also discover how medical treatments and lifestyle changes may help improve both hormone levels and blood sugar control.

By the end, you will see why keeping testosterone levels healthy is important for much more than physical strength. It is also a key part of protecting your long-term health and wellbeing.

Understanding Testosterone and Blood Sugar


Testosterone is a hormone. In men, it is mainly made in the testes, and in women, it is made in smaller amounts in the ovaries and adrenal glands. Many people think it only controls things like muscles or sex drive, but it also helps with energy, mood and how the body uses food.

Blood sugar, also called glucose, is the primary type of sugar in the blood. It comes from the food we eat and gives the body energy. After eating, blood sugar rises. To control this, the pancreas makes a hormone called insulin. Insulin moves the sugar from the blood into the cells, where it can be used for fuel or stored for later.

Low testosterone can make it harder for the body to use insulin properly. This is called insulin resistance. When this happens, the sugar stays in the blood instead of moving into the cells. Over time, this can lead to high blood sugar and raise the risk of type 2 diabetes.

This shows that testosterone is not just crucial for strength or reproduction. It also plays a key role in keeping blood sugar under control and supporting overall health.

How Testosterone Regulates Blood Sugar


Testosterone is a key male sex hormone that not only shapes secondary sexual characteristics, body fat distribution, and bone density but also plays a vital role in metabolism. Levels naturally begin to decline after age 30, and this drop can affect many systems in the body.

When testosterone falls too low (a condition often called Low T), men may experience:

  • Erectile dysfunction

  • Reduced sperm count

  • Lower sex drive

  • Increased body fat

  • Loss of bone density and muscle mass

  • Mood changes and irritability

  • Hot flashes


These symptoms can disrupt both personal and professional life, often reducing confidence and productivity.

Testosterone and Blood Sugar


Beyond these symptoms, low testosterone may also contribute to higher blood sugar levels and increased risk of type 2 diabetes. While the exact link is still under investigation, researchers believe testosterone helps regulate how the body responds to insulin.

  • With normal testosterone levels, insulin can move glucose from the bloodstream into cells, where it’s stored or used for energy.

  • With low testosterone, cells may become insulin-resistant, meaning they don’t respond as effectively. The body compensates by producing more insulin, but this often isn’t enough, leading to rising blood sugar levels.

Why It Matters


Uncontrolled high blood sugar damages blood vessels and organs over time, increasing the risk of complications such as:

  • Nerve damage

  • Kidney disease

  • Vision problems

  • Greater difficulty managing diabetes (if already present)

Maintaining healthy testosterone levels supports better blood sugar control and reduces long-term health risks.

Can Testosterone Therapy Improve Blood Sugar?


Testosterone replacement therapy (TRT) is a standard treatment for men with low testosterone. It works by restoring testosterone levels to the normal range (about 300–1,000 nanograms per deciliter). By doing so, TRT not only relieves the symptoms of Low T but may also improve overall metabolic health.

Reported Benefits of TRT


Many men experience noticeable improvements after beginning TRT, including:

  • Increased sex drive

  • Greater bone density and muscle mass

  • Improved mood, energy, and confidence

  • Enhanced sense of well-being

TRT and Blood Sugar Control


Emerging research suggests that TRT may also help with blood sugar regulation. Studies indicate that restoring testosterone can:

  • Improve the body’s sensitivity to insulin

  • Reduce fat mass (especially around the abdomen), which plays a role in insulin resistance

  • Support muscle growth, increasing glucose uptake and energy use

Together, these effects may lower blood sugar levels and reduce the risk of developing type 2 diabetes, or help men with diabetes manage their condition more effectively.

Scientific Evidence Linking TRT and Blood Sugar


Beyond improving energy, mood, and sexual health,
testosterone replacement therapy (TRT) may also support better blood sugar control in men with low testosterone. While research is still ongoing, several studies provide promising evidence.

Clinical Studies

1. TRT and Insulin Sensitivity (2016 Study)

In 2016, researchers studied 94 men with type 2 diabetes. Participants were split into two groups:

  • One group received intramuscular testosterone (250 mg every 2 weeks for 6 months)

  • The other group received a placebo injection

By the end of the trial, men receiving TRT showed:

  • Improved insulin sensitivity

  • Reduced subcutaneous fat mass

  • Increased lean muscle mass

  • Lower free fatty acid levels

  • Reduced inflammatory markers (such as tumour necrosis factor-α)

These changes suggest TRT improves how the body processes glucose, partly by reducing fat and increasing muscle mass.

2. TRT and Long-Term A1C Levels

Another study followed men with diabetes on TRT for 8 years, measuring their A1C levels (a marker of average blood sugar control).

  • At the start, their average A1C was 7.87% (above the diabetic threshold).

  • After consistent TRT, their average A1C dropped to 5.99%—a level closer to normal and often challenging to achieve with standard diabetes medications alone.

Why Does TRT Help?


Scientists believe TRT improves blood sugar control by:

  • Increasing muscle mass, which enhances glucose uptake from the bloodstream

  • Reducing abdominal and total body fat, which lowers insulin resistance

  • Improving metabolic efficiency and energy levels, leading to more physical activity

Effects of Low Testosterone on Blood Sugar and Metabolism

Low Testosterone Effect

Impact on Blood Sugar & Metabolism

Decreased muscle mass

Less glucose is absorbed by muscle cells

Increased body fat

Higher insulin resistance

Poor insulin response

Blood sugar stays elevated

Low energy and inactivity

Weight gain and higher A1C levels


How Doctors Diagnose Low Testosterone


Testosterone levels naturally decline with age, but younger men can also develop low testosterone (Low T) due to medical conditions, medications, or lifestyle factors. When testosterone falls below the healthy range, men may experience the symptoms discussed earlier, such as fatigue, low sex drive, mood changes, and increased body fat.

Step 1: Medical Evaluation


If you suspect low testosterone, your first step is to see a healthcare provider. Be prepared to:

  • Describe your symptoms in detail

  • Share your medical history, including medications and lifestyle habits

Step 2: Physical Examination


Your doctor may look for physical signs of Low T, such as:

  • Decreased muscle mass or body hair

  • Increased body fat

  • Changes in testicular size

  • Bone density loss (in long-term cases)

Step 3: Blood Testing


A blood test is the most reliable way to confirm Low T. Testosterone levels are usually highest in the morning, so doctors often order tests at that time.

  • Normal range: 300–1,000 nanograms per deciliter (ng/dL)

  • Low testosterone: below 300 ng/dL


Sometimes, doctors will repeat the test to confirm results, since hormone levels can fluctuate.

Step 4: Identifying the Cause


If low testosterone is confirmed, your doctor will determine the underlying reason. Possible causes include:

  • Obesity or poor lifestyle habits (e.g., inactivity, poor diet, excessive alcohol use)

  • Chronic illnesses (such as diabetes or kidney disease)

  • Medications (like opioids or corticosteroids)

  • Primary testicular issues or problems with hormone signalling from the brain

Step 5: Treatment Options


Treatment depends on the cause:

  • If lifestyle or medical conditions are contributing, your doctor may recommend weight loss, exercise, or adjusting medications.

  • If testosterone remains low despite these measures, Testosterone Replacement Therapy (TRT) may be prescribed to restore levels and relieve symptoms.

How Testosterone Replacement Therapy (TRT) Works


TRT restores testosterone levels to the normal range by supplying the hormone in controlled doses. The method and dose depend on your baseline testosterone level, overall health, and personal preferences.

Forms of TRT


Testosterone can be delivered in several ways, each with its own pros and cons:

  • Gels and creams: Applied daily to the skin; easy to use but can transfer to others through skin contact.

  • Injections: Given every 1–2 weeks (short-acting) or every 10–14 weeks (long-acting); provide steady levels but may cause fluctuations.

  • Pellets: Implanted under the skin every 3–6 months; convenient but require a minor procedure.

  • Patches: Worn on the skin and replaced daily; steady delivery but may cause skin irritation.

  • Oral capsules: Taken daily; convenient but may affect the liver in some cases.


Your doctor can help you weigh the benefits, side effects, and cost to find the option that fits your lifestyle best.

How Doctors Adjust Your TRT Dosage


Treatment doesn’t stop at the first prescription; TRT requires regular monitoring and adjustments:

  1. Initial dose: Determined by your testosterone level before treatment.

  2. Symptom tracking: Keep a log of your energy, mood, sexual health, and any side effects (like acne, swelling, or breast tenderness). Share this with your doctor at follow-ups.

  3. Dose adjustments:

    • If testosterone levels remain low after 6 months, the dose may be increased.

    • If side effects occur, the dose may be reduced or the delivery method changed.

  4. Follow-up visits: Typically scheduled every 6 months to check testosterone levels, symptoms, and possible side effects.

Testosterone and Blood Sugar - Options and Effects


There are different ways to improve both testosterone levels and blood sugar control. Some are medical treatments, while others are lifestyle choices. Each option has its own benefits and possible risks, so it is vital to understand them before making changes.


One treatment is testosterone replacement therapy (TRT). This can raise testosterone levels in men who have low hormone levels. Some studies show it may also help improve blood sugar control, but TRT can have side effects, so it should only be used under medical advice.


Lifestyle changes often make a big difference. Regular exercise, such as weight training or running, can boost testosterone and improve how the body uses insulin. Eating a balanced diet with healthy fats, lean protein, and whole grains can also support both hormone balance and blood sugar.

Other steps, such as getting enough sleep, managing stress and making sure you get enough vitamin D, also help the body work better. New medicines, such as drugs used for weight loss and type 2 diabetes (for example, Ozempic), may also help raise testosterone while improving blood sugar control.

Here is a simple table showing how different choices affect testosterone and blood sugar:

Strategy

Effect on Testosterone

Effect on Blood Sugar

Notes

Testosterone therapy (TRT)

Increases hormone levels

May improve blood sugar in some people

Must be monitored by a doctor

Exercise

Can raise testosterone

Makes the body use insulin better

Best with regular activity

Healthy diet

Helps balance hormones

Keeps blood sugar steady

Avoid too much processed food

Sleep and stress control

Supports healthy testosterone

Helps the body manage sugar

Important for long-term health

New medicines (GLP-1 drugs)

May increase testosterone

Substantial benefits for type 2 diabetes

Prescription only


Making small, steady changes in daily life often gives the best long-term results. A healthy lifestyle supports both testosterone and blood sugar control in safe and natural ways.

Frequently Asked Questions


Can low testosterone cause high blood sugar levels?


Yes, low testosterone can cause high blood sugar levels because it makes the body less sensitive to insulin. When insulin does not work correctly, sugar builds up in the blood. Over time, this can increase the risk of type 2 diabetes.

How does low testosterone affect insulin resistance?


Low testosterone increases insulin resistance by making it harder for cells to take in sugar from the blood. This means the pancreas has to produce more insulin to keep blood sugar stable, which can eventually lead to type 2 diabetes.

Is there a link between low testosterone and type 2 diabetes?


Research shows a strong link between low testosterone and type 2 diabetes. Men with low hormone levels are more likely to develop diabetes, and many men who already have diabetes also have reduced testosterone.

Can testosterone replacement therapy help control blood sugar?


Testosterone replacement therapy may help control blood sugar by lowering insulin resistance and improving metabolism. Some studies show that men with low testosterone and diabetes saw better blood sugar levels after treatment, but it must be carefully monitored.

Does exercise raise testosterone and lower blood sugar?


Yes, exercise can naturally raise testosterone and lower blood sugar. Resistance training and high-intensity workouts are convenient because they increase muscle mass, which helps the body use insulin more efficiently.

What foods boost testosterone and support blood sugar control?


Foods rich in protein, healthy fats and whole grains can boost testosterone and support blood sugar control. Examples include lean meat, nuts, seeds, olive oil and vegetables. Avoiding too much sugar and processed food also helps.

Can weight loss improve testosterone and blood sugar levels?


Yes, weight loss can improve testosterone and blood sugar levels simultaneously. Reducing body fat lowers insulin resistance and supports hormone balance, which decreases the risk of diabetes and improves overall health.

Is low testosterone more common in men with diabetes?


Low testosterone is more common in men with diabetes, especially type 2 diabetes. Studies show that over 40 per cent of men with type 2 diabetes have reduced testosterone, which makes it harder to manage blood sugar.

Final Thoughts: Testosterone, Blood Sugar & Health


Low T can have various effects on the body, including elevated blood sugar levels in some men. Several studies show that
testosterone replacement therapy can reduce low T symptoms and even normalise blood sugar levels. This might be because TRT reduces body fat and increases muscle mass.



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