Hypogonadism among obese type 2 diabetic men in South-Western Nigeria

Abstract

Background: Studies have shown that hypogonadism is closely related to the development of Type 2 Diabetes. This study aimed to assess hypogonadism among type 2 diabetic and obese male patients in Southwest Nigeria.Methods: One hundred and twenty men consisting of thirty obese diabetics, thirty non-obese diabetics, thirty obese non-diabetics and thirty non-obese non-diabetics, were included in the study. Participants were interviewed to obtain data on biodata, reproductive characteristics, and anthropometry. Venous Blood was collected for the determination of fasting plasma Glucose, glycated haemoglobin, and reproductive hormonal levels.Results: The prevalence of hypogonadism in this study was 20.8%. The mean age of all the participants was 43.39 ± 5.21, most men being in the 40-44 years age group. In this age group, over a third (40%) of the men had low testosterone. Out of the 60 participants who were diabetic, 18 (30%) had low testosterone, two-third of whom (66.7%) were obese. Mean testosterone was significantly lower in obese diabetics when compared with non-obese diabetics. The mean testosterone and FSH were significantly lower in obese non-diabetics as well. Both diabetic and non-diabetic groups had significantly higher estrogen in the obese participants, than in the non-obese.Conclusion: In conclusion, hypogonadism is a common finding among diabetic men, and it occurs in higher frequency with coexisting obesity. Hence, a holistic approach in the treatment of male patients with hypogonadism, type 2 diabetics and obesity should be considered, in order to safeguard their reproductive health.
 Key Words: Hypogonadism, obesity, FSH, LH, testosterone, Nigeria.