Higher estimated glucose disposal rate tied to Higher Testosterone levels and Lower Testosterone Deficiency in T2DM: Study
A study published in BMC Endocrine Disorders investigated the relationship between estimated glucose disposal rate (eGDR) and testosterone levels in adults with type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM). Researchers found that higher eGDR, a marker of improved insulin sensitivity, was linked to higher serum testosterone concentrations and a lower likelihood of testosterone deficiency. These findings suggest that metabolic health plays a significant role in regulating endocrine function in men with T2DM.
The study included adult participants with well-characterized T2DM, evaluating eGDR using standard clinical parameters and assessing serum testosterone levels. Participants with higher eGDR consistently exhibited greater testosterone levels and were less likely to meet criteria for testosterone deficiency compared with those having lower eGDR.
This association remained significant after adjusting for age, body mass index, and other metabolic risk factors. The study highlights the importance of insulin sensitivity in maintaining normal androgen levels in men with diabetes.
Authors noted that these results have important clinical implications. Screening for testosterone deficiency in men with T2DM could be more effectively targeted toward those with lower eGDR, while interventions that improve insulin sensitivity—such as lifestyle modification or pharmacotherapy—may also help mitigate androgen deficiency. The study calls for further research to explore causal mechanisms and to evaluate whether improving eGDR can directly enhance testosterone levels and related health outcomes in men with T2DM.
Reference :
Sun, Y., Li, H., Zhang, X., & Chen, Q. (2025). Higher estimated glucose disposal rate is associated with higher testosterone and lower risk of testosterone deficiency in adults with type 2 diabetes mellitus. BMC Endocrine Disorders. https://doi.org/10.1186/s12902-025-02091-z
