Rapid changes in serum testosterone in men with newly diagnosed type 2 diabetes with intensive insulin and metformin

Abstract

OBJECTIVE To investigate the effect of metformin on testosterone levels in men with type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM). RESEARCH DESIGN AND METHODS Seventy men with newly diagnosed drug-naive T2DM and HbA1c >9.0% (75 mmol/ mol) were treated with intensive insulin pump therapy for 5 days to achieve glucose normalization. They were randomized to control (continued on intensive insulin only) and metformin (plus metformin) groups (1:1) for 1 month. Testosterone was measured at baseline, randomization, and after 1-month treatment. RESULTS Total, free, and bioavailable testosterone increased significantly within 5 days (all P < 0.001). After 1 month, compared with the control group, the metformin group had lower total (12.7 vs. 15.3 nmol/L), free (0.20 vs. 0.24 nmol/L), and bioavailable (4.56 vs. 5.31 nmol/L) testosterone (all P < 0.05). CONCLUSIONS In men with T2DM, 1-month oral metformin may decrease serum testosterone levels independent of blood glucose control. The effects of long-term metformin on testosterone in men need further study.