The Power of Testosterone—Improving Memory in Diabetics

Endocrinology is one of the most exciting areas of medical research today. Our bodies use hormones to relay signals throughout the body and promote physiological homeostasis. While we know a lot about how various hormones work, there is still so much to learn. Take Testosterone, for example. Most folks realize that Testosterone is intimately involved in sexual function and masculinity. They also know that guys with Low-T often lose muscle mass, strength, and energy.

While these contributions to wellness and function are important, they really just scratch the surface of how Testosterone impacts human form and function. Testosterone is also intimately involved in cardiovascular process, bone health, and even psychology. In this article, we will talk about Testosterone's relationship to Diabetes and how Testosterone Therapy can influence cognition in men with uncontrolled Diabetes.

Andropause and Low-T Interact with Other Health Conditions

Hormone Balance and health are intricately related. Our bodies are calibrated in a certain manner for optimal function. If one hormone falls out of balance, it can alter the balance of others and lead to mental and physical consequences. One of the unfortunate realities of aging is that men produce less Testosterone as they get older. This trend initiates in the thirties and becomes worse with every passing year and decade. The risk of Testosterone Deficiency rises as basal Testosterone Levels continue to drop.

There are several other factors that interact poorly with Testosterone as well. Sedentary lifestyle, excessive alcohol use, and obesity all increase the risk and severity of Low Testosterone Levels. One particularly pernicious health issue which has a drastic effect on Testosterone Production is Type-2 Diabetes. Our body's ability to metabolize and store sugar has strong effects on Testosterone balance. Studies show that sugar intake immediately suppresses Testosterone Levels. As the body removes glucose from the bloodstream, Serum Testosterone bounces back.

Why Does Diabetes Lower Testosterone?

Diabetes creates a problem that has a disastrous impact on Testosterone Balance. Insulin resistance impairs the body's ability to extract and use glucose in the blood. This means that it takes longer to get glucose where it needs to go, and it means that the baseline levels of glucose in the bloodstream are higher than in patients with healthy Insulin response. This prevents Testosterone Levels from ever reaching an appropriate baseline for ideal Hormone Balance, and these effects only get worse without treatment.

Testosterone also has a protective effect against Type-2 Diabetes. This means that as Insulin resistance depletes Testosterone, the body becomes increasingly at risk of the ravages of both Diabetes and Low-T. In fact, men that are Type-2 Diabetic are twice as likely as normal to be diagnosed with Testosterone Deficiency, and these odds only get worse for guys that are obese and/or don't effectively control their Diabetes.

A Study on Testosterone, Diabetes, and Memory

Research shows that Diabetes outcomes can be improved both by effective management of Diabetes and by taking steps to boost Testosterone, including Hormone Replacement Therapy. New research that was released this year shows how Testosterone Treatments can help bolster memory skills in patients with Type-2 Diabetes. The data was revealed at an annual symposium of the Endocrine Society. It demonstrates the cognitive benefits of Testosterone Shots for Type-2 Diabetic Men with Low-T. Dr. Preethy Rao was the lead investigator and is employed by the University of Sheffield. This study shows off one of the many ways that Testosterone Therapy may be a powerful asset when it comes to the control and management of Diabetes.

Sixty-five men were chosen for this study, all of which had trouble managing Type-2 Diabetes and all of which had Low Testosterone. In the first half of the study, one group took Testosterone Shots while the other took placebo. After three months, both groups were allowed to use Testosterone for six more months.

The men in this study were evaluated in several ways for the duration of the study. They reported improved sexual function and libido as well as just a general increase in quality of life. Also, important in the context of this study, they performed significantly better on delayed recall memory tests. These tests are one of the tools doctors use to catch early indications of dementia. While larger and longer studies are necessary to capture the extent of these benefits, it's possible that Testosterone could improve memory and help ward off dementia in men with Diabetes!