London, May 4 (IANS) Men with low levels of testosterone could be at greater risk of developing diabetes, a study has said.
Researchers from the University of Edinburgh found low testosterone levels are linked to a resistance to insulin, the hormone that controls blood sugar levels.
Testosterone is present throughout the body and low levels are associated with increased obesity, a known risk factor for developing type 2 diabetes, Daily Mail reported.
But scientists said the study provides evidence of increased risk “even when body mass is not affected”.
Kerry McInnes, from the university’s endocrinology unit, said: “We know that men with low testosterone levels are more likely to become obese and as a result, develop diabetes.
“This study shows that low testosterone is a risk factor for diabetes no matter how much a person weighs. As men age their testosterone levels lower.”
