Effect of Varying Testosterone Levels on Insulin Sensitivity in Normal and IHH Men

Overview

Type 2 diabetes is one of the most common metabolic disorders in the U.S, estimated to affect 16 million Americans. Established risk factors for this disease include obesity, increased waist/hip ratio, high insulin levels in the blood, and insulin resistance. Testosterone may play a role in developing or preventing diabetes, but we do not yet know for sure. The purpose of this research study is to determine if changing testosterone levels in men will result in changes in insulin sensitivity. Information learned form this research study may have important public health implications and may point to new strategies for treating or preventing diabetes.

The overall aim of this study is to examine the effect of testosterone on insulin sensitivity using the models of acute and chronic hypogonadism. All subjects will be in good general health and 2 groups of men will be studied in this protocol: 1. Thirty healthy normal men aged 18-75 years with normal blood pressure, normal testosterone levels, and not taking any medications known to influence glucose homeostasis or testosterone 2. Ten adult men (over the age of 18) with idiopathic hypogonadotropic hypogonadism (IHH)and normal thyroid, adrenal, and growth hormone axes as well as normal prolactin levels and no abnormalities on imaging of the hypothalamic-pituitary region. These men will be on no medications known to influence glucose homeostasis and will have been off hormone therapy for a suitable washout period depending on the type of prior androgen replacement.

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