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.
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.
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:
These symptoms can disrupt both personal and professional life, often reducing confidence and productivity.
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.
Uncontrolled high blood sugar damages blood vessels and organs over time, increasing the risk of complications such as:
Maintaining healthy testosterone levels supports better blood sugar control and reduces long-term health risks.
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.
Many men experience noticeable improvements after beginning TRT, including:
Emerging research suggests that TRT may also help with blood sugar regulation. Studies indicate that restoring testosterone can:
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.
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.
1. TRT and Insulin Sensitivity (2016 Study)
In 2016, researchers studied 94 men with type 2 diabetes. Participants were split into two groups:
By the end of the trial, men receiving TRT showed:
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).
Scientists believe TRT improves blood sugar control by:
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 |
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.
If you suspect low testosterone, your first step is to see a healthcare provider. Be prepared to:
Your doctor may look for physical signs of Low T, such as:
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.
Sometimes, doctors will repeat the test to confirm results, since hormone levels can fluctuate.
If low testosterone is confirmed, your doctor will determine the underlying reason. Possible causes include:
Treatment depends on the cause:
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.
Testosterone can be delivered in several ways, each with its own pros and cons:
Your doctor can help you weigh the benefits, side effects, and cost to find the option that fits your lifestyle best.
Treatment doesn’t stop at the first prescription; TRT requires regular monitoring and adjustments:
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.