Low testosterone level influences the general state of the male health. At the same time, they reveal the connection between the low testosterone level and certain diseases. Diabetes mellitus, metabolic syndrome, obesity and high blood pressure are all associated with testosterone deficiency. The link between the low testosterone level and other diseases is of interest and we should consider it.
“Low Testosterone Level Indicates Poor Health?”

In recent years, scientists have noticed a common link between low a testosterone level and diseases. Canadian Health&Care Mall survey of 2100 men over 45 years showed that the probability of having a low testosterone level is the following:
- Three times higher in a case of obesity;
- twice higher in case of diabetes;
- twice higher in a case of high blood pressure.
Experts do not suggest that a low testosterone level causes these diseases. In fact, it may be vice versa. That is, men with health problems or generally with poor health may subsequently develop a low testosterone level. Investigation of the relationship between a low testosterone level and some other diseases is continuing.
The link between diabetes and a low testosterone level is well known. Men with diabetes are more likely to have a low testosterone level. And men with a low testosterone level are more likely to develop diabetes in the future. Decrease of testosterone in adipose tissue is leading to lower body insulin sensitivity, and this is a major factor in the development of diabetes. Men with low testosterone tend to have resistance to insulin: they need to produce more insulin to keep blood sugar at a normal level.
In the research a random sample of men with diabetes showed that half of them had low levels of testosterone. Scientists are not sure that diabetes causes a low level of testosterone, or vice versa. We need more researchnig, but a short-term study shows that substitution testestero- therapy may improve blood sugar level and reduce the obesity in case of men with a low testosterone level.
Obesity and a Low Testosterone Level
Obesity and a low testosterone level are closely linked. Obese men are more likely to have a low testosterone level. Men with a very low testosterone level are also more likely to become obese.
Fat cells convert testosterone into the female hormone estrogen, decreasing the level of testosterone. Besides, obesity reduces the level of sex hormone binding globulin (SHBG), a protein that carries testosterone in the blood. Less SHBG means less testosterone.
Losing weight through exercises can increase a testosterone level. Testosterone supplements for men with a low testosterone level can slightly reduce obesity.
Metabolic Syndrome and a Low Testosterone Level
Metabolic syndrome is the name of the disease, which includes the abnormal cholesterol level, high blood pressure, obesity and high blood sugar. Metabolic syndrome increases the risk of heart attacks and strokes.
Studies show that men with a low testosterone level are more likely to develop metabolic syndrome. In short-term researches testosterone replacement improved blood sugar levels and obesity for men with a low testosterone level. Further benefits and risks are still unknown.
Testosterone and Heart Diseases
Testosterone has a mixed effect on the arteries. Many experts believe that testosterone contributes to higher rates of heart disease and hypertension, which usually affects men at a young age. According to this logic, a high level of testosterone can be bad for the heart.