Evaluation of Serum Testosterone Level among Diabetic and Non-Diabetic Men Diagnosed with Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia

Abstract

Background: Type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) and low serum testosterone level had been reported in many studies. Both conditions are endocrinologically related. Many researchers have suggested a causal link claiming that low serum testosterone may be a risk factor for the development of T2DM, while others assert that it may well be a consequence of T2DM and age in the background. Materials and Methods: A total of seventy six (76) men were included in this study. Information from their case-notes were retrieved including biodata, history and physical examination findings, laboratory and imaging results. These information were obtained during their clinic visits and such folders were coded to avoid duplication of information. Variables such as age and body mass index (BMI) were grouped. Patients were also categorized as diabetic and non-diabetic according to their medical history and laboratory results (diabetic when FBG >126mg/dl). Collated data were displayed on SPSS software version 20.0 and analysed. Results: Seventy six patients aged between 41 and 86 years with a mean age of 64.07± 18.84 years were studied. Diabetic group were older (68.39± 7.6 years) than the non-diabetic arm (62.19 ± 8.7 years), however, with lower serum testosterone level (4.45 ±2.7ng/ml) than non-diabetics (5.39 ± 2.17ng/ml). Conclusion: Diabetic men in this study had a lower serum level of testosterone and we suggest a routine laboratory test of this hormone in the elderly to diagnose hypogonadism and prevent its complications.