The Efficacy of Testosterone Ointment on Insulin Resistance in Men with Metabolic Syndrome

Abstract

Low levels of testosterone are related with metabolic syndrome and type 2 diabetes mellitus. Testosterone levels are considered to be negatively correlated with insulin resistance and HbA1c levels. There are also reports that testosterone replacement therapy reduces insulin resistance or improves glycemic control. Transdermal administration of testosterone ointment (Glowmin) is a method of drug administration that keeps blood concentrations stable and constant. In this study, testosterone ointment (Glowmin) was administrated as a testosterone supplement to male metabolic syndrome with low free testosterone levels. This study included 5 male metabolic syndrome with low free testosterone levels (mean age, 50.6 ± 8.8 years; mean BMI, 29.5 ± 3.1 kg/m2; mean waist circumference, 97 ± 7 cm; free testosterone levels, <8.5 pg/ml; values indicate means ± SD). Glowmin was administrated to the submandibular area at a dose of 0.3 g twice a day for 6 months. Three months after administration, a significant decrease was observed in fasting immunoreactive insulin levels, homeostasis model assessment for insulin resistance, total cholesterol and LDL-C. Six-months after administration, each of these parameter estimates remained steady. In conclusion, transdermal administration of testosterone ointment (Glowmin) gradually reduced insulin resistance in male metabolic syndrome with low free testosterone levels.