Preventing diabetes in older men

Older Australian men are encouraged to join a new study which looks at preventing diabetes by giving them more testosterone.

Researchers are looking to recruit up to 1,500 men aged 50 to 74 years in South Australia, Victoria, New South Wales and Western Australia who are most at risk of developing type 2 diabetes.

The new study aims to help them lose weight and prevent diabetes by giving them a boost of testosterone.

The $4.8 million study, described as the first of its kind in the world, will look at the potential benefits of treating men with testosterone supplements in conjunction with a dedicated weight loss program through Weight Watchers.

“We know that as men get older and gain weight – especially when they become large around the belly – they often suffer from reduced testosterone levels,” study leader, Professor Gary Wittert, from the University of Adelaide’s School of Medicine, says.

“Lower testosterone has many implications for men’s health, such as reduced motivation to exercise and lack of sexual function. It is also closely associated with type 2 diabetes, which is an enormous health burden for Australia,” he adds.

According to Professor Wittert, giving testosterone supplements to men in that critical pre-diabetes stage, and by putting them on a dedicated weight loss program, may see sustained reductions in weight and a reduced chance to develop type 2 diabetes.

Men who sign up for the study – funded by the National Health and Medical Research Council (NHMRC) – will have complimentary access to Weight Watchers and can follow the program either by attending meetings or online, which is ideal for men who prefer not to attend a weight loss group.

Professor Wittert says the study, which will be conducted over at least two years of the participants’ lives, could potentially have a range of other health benefits for those who take part in it.

“Our hope is that this study will be a life-changing event for many men in Australia. Older men who have developed a large belly and are at risk of diabetes now have an opportunity to do something about their weight, improve their lives, and provide us with all important research results that could benefit many others in the future,” he says.

For more information about the study or to participate, visit Testosterone 4 the prevention of Diabetes Mellitus or call 1300 865 436.