Testosterone improves sexual function, verbal recall and QoL in men with uncontrolled diabetes

In Phase 1, the mean total Aging Male Symptoms (AMS) score, which is a quality of life assessment tool in men, significantly decreased from a baseline of 48.34±13.13 to 37.72±12.25 at 6 months after TRT compared with placebo (p<0.05). Those who were administered TRT were more likely to move on from severe symptoms to low, mild, or moderate symptoms compared to those in the placebo group (46% vs. 28%, p=0.0024).

However, there were no significant findings from SF-36 scores, MMSE scores, BDHQ, NERI or IIEF-5 scores or its domains at baseline and after 6 months of TRT.

In Phase 2, the AMS total score (p=001) and all its subscales (physical p=0.01), psychological (p=0.026), and sexual (p<0.001), with improvement in libido (p<0.001) showed significant improvements. Sexual wellbeing (p=0.002) and emotional wellbeing (p=0.011) were also significantly improved (p=0.07). In addition, QoL scores revealed better physical health (p=0.019) and health change (p=0.019). Statistically significant changes were noted for delayed verbal recall (an early sign of dementia) in this phase, as well (p=0.0004).

"These findings will also form the evidence basis for our general practitioners and endocrinologists to proactively ask their diabetes patients about the symptoms at their regular health visits and investigate and diagnose hypogonadism appropriately and treat them with testosterone where indicated," Rao said. "Our trial showed that the treatment is very safe when accurately monitored."