High Blood Sugar Can Affect Your Sex Life, Research Reveals
The researchers analysed the health records of 110 adult men with obesity or type 2 diabetes being treated with weight-loss medications and who were not on testosterone or hormonal therapy. Along with 10% weight loss, the proportion of men with normal levels of both total and free testosterone rose from 53% to 77%.
As per the preliminary research presented this week at the Endocrine Society's annual meeting in San Francisco, high blood sugar can lower testosterone levels, which are crucial for male sexual function. Testosterone levels don't directly impact erectile function but rather correlate with libido assessment.
The research found that high glucose levels can damage nerves and blood vessels, which are essential for achieving and maintaining erections, leading to erectile dysfunction.
Lifestyle Changes And Prevention
A balanced diet rich in whole foods and fibre can help stabilise blood sugar and reduce inflammation. Regular physical activity helps in improving insulin sensitivity, and it supports weight loss. Meditation and yoga can enhance mental and emotional well-being, playing a role in sexual performance.
Medications like semaglutide, liraglutide and tirzepatide can help regulate blood sugar. "While it is well known that weight loss from lifestyle changes or bariatric surgery increases testosterone levels, the impact that anti-obesity medications may also have on these levels has not been widely studied," said Shellsea Portillo Canales, M.D., endocrinology fellow at SSM Health St. Louis University Hospital in St. Louis, Mo.
"Our study is among the first to provide compelling evidence that low testosterone can be reversed with the use of commonly prescribed anti-obesity medications."
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
NDTV
7 hours ago
- NDTV
High Blood Sugar Can Affect Your Sex Life, Research Reveals
A recent research presented at the ENDO 2025 revealed that high blood sugar levels can impact men's sexual health. The research, which has not yet been peer-reviewed, found that even slight elevations in blood sugar levels, below the diabetic threshold, can lead to a decline in sperm movement and erectile function. The researchers analysed the health records of 110 adult men with obesity or type 2 diabetes being treated with weight-loss medications and who were not on testosterone or hormonal therapy. Along with 10% weight loss, the proportion of men with normal levels of both total and free testosterone rose from 53% to 77%. As per the preliminary research presented this week at the Endocrine Society's annual meeting in San Francisco, high blood sugar can lower testosterone levels, which are crucial for male sexual function. Testosterone levels don't directly impact erectile function but rather correlate with libido assessment. The research found that high glucose levels can damage nerves and blood vessels, which are essential for achieving and maintaining erections, leading to erectile dysfunction. Lifestyle Changes And Prevention A balanced diet rich in whole foods and fibre can help stabilise blood sugar and reduce inflammation. Regular physical activity helps in improving insulin sensitivity, and it supports weight loss. Meditation and yoga can enhance mental and emotional well-being, playing a role in sexual performance. Medications like semaglutide, liraglutide and tirzepatide can help regulate blood sugar. "While it is well known that weight loss from lifestyle changes or bariatric surgery increases testosterone levels, the impact that anti-obesity medications may also have on these levels has not been widely studied," said Shellsea Portillo Canales, M.D., endocrinology fellow at SSM Health St. Louis University Hospital in St. Louis, Mo. "Our study is among the first to provide compelling evidence that low testosterone can be reversed with the use of commonly prescribed anti-obesity medications."
Time of India
19 hours ago
- Time of India
Need a testosterone boost? New study suggests trying weight-loss drugs like Ozempic
We're circling back to the age-old idea of hitting two birds with one stone! The medication that's widely prescribed to manage diabetes and used for weight loss as well – is now showing promise to offer some more exceptional health perks. Recent research suggests that GLP‑1 receptor agonists, like Ozempic, Wegovy, Mounjaro, and Trulicity, might offer an unexpected hormonal benefit. A recently presented ENDO 2025 study tracked 110 men over 18 months, revealing a remarkable rise in testosterone from 53% to 77% of normal levels, alongside about 10% average weight loss. These findings hint that by targeting fat reduction, insulin resistance, inflammation, and estrogen-to-testosterone conversion, these drugs could offer a dual boost for metabolic and men's health. Read on to know more. The GLP‑1–Testosterone breakthrough GLP‑1 receptor agonists – such as semaglutide (Ozempic/Wegovy), dulaglutide (Trulicity), and tirzepatide (Mounjaro/Zepbound) – work by mimicking the gut hormone GLP‑1 to suppress appetite, slow digestion, and improve insulin secretion. Now, testosterone is a hormone that fuels male sex drive and erectile function and influences everything from bone density and muscle mass to fat distribution, red blood cell production, mood, and energy levels. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like นี่อาจเป็นโอกาสทองที่ดีที่สุดในรอบ 5 ปีสำหรับการเทรดทองคำ IC Markets อ่านเพิ่มเติม Undo Unfortunately, testosterone levels naturally decline with age. Older men may feel more tired and grouchy, and less interested in sex. Not to mention the hair loss, bone fractures, and weight gain around the waist that often accompany low T. Luckily, there are ways to naturally boost testosterone. Exercise, especially strength training, a healthy diet, stress reduction, adequate sleep, and weight management, particularly for those who are overweight, are just a few. This new study highlights another tool that may help elevate these levels — Ozempic and other GLP-1 drugs. Endocrinology fellow Dr. Shellsea Portillo Canales and the research team analyzed the records of 110 adult men with obesity or Type 2 diabetes taking the weight-loss medications semaglutide (Wegovy), dulaglutide (Trulicity), or tirzepatide (Zepbound) but not participating in testosterone or hormonal therapy. These three drugs mimic the effects of GLP-1, a natural hormone in the body that regulates blood sugar and appetite, often leading to lower blood sugar and weight loss. At the ENDO 2025 conference , the team shared data showing men on these drugs experienced ~10% weight loss and significant testosterone increases (from 53% to 77% of normal) over 18 months. Mechanisms include reduced aromatase in shrinking fat, improved insulin sensitivity, and lower systemic inflammation – key drivers supporting testosterone production. The convincing evidence A 2025 meta-analysis (n=680) of seven GLP‑1 RA trials found a pooled increase in total testosterone of 1.39 ng/mL, with parallel gains in free testosterone, LH, FSH, weight loss, and HbA1c reduction. Liraglutide (Saxenda) was observed to restore gonadotropin signaling and improve testosterone in obese men, without the hormonal axis suppression typical of testosterone replacement therapy. However, a 2021 cohort in men with type 2 diabetes (n=51) showed only modest testosterone increases, primarily in men whose baseline testosterone was under 320 ng/dL or had ≥1% HbA1c reduction, reinforcing the importance of weight loss and insulin control. How does weight impact testosterone levels in males? In men, weight, particularly excess body fat, is inversely related to testosterone levels. Increased body fat, especially around the abdomen, is associated with lower testosterone, while weight loss, particularly through lifestyle changes, can lead to increased testosterone levels. As per research , weight loss can enhance testosterone levels because excess body fat contains the enzyme aromatase, which converts testosterone into estrogen. As reported by the NY Post, Dr. Shellsea Portillo Canales, an endocrinology fellow at SSM Health St. Louis University Hospital in Missouri, said, 'While it is well-known that weight loss from lifestyle changes or bariatric surgery increases testosterone levels, the impact that anti-obesity medications may also have on these levels has not been widely studied,' adding, 'Our study is among the first to provide compelling evidence that low testosterone can be reversed with the use of commonly prescribed anti-obesity medications. ' Portillo Canales also said, 'Results from this study show that there is a direct correlation between the use of anti-obesity medications and testosterone levels,' adding, 'Doctors and their patients can now consider this class of medications not only for the treatment of obesity and to control blood sugar, but also to benefit men's reproductive health.' The way ahead Although initial findings from ENDO 2025 and earlier trials are encouraging, longer randomized controlled trials (RCTs) are essential to confirm direct effects on fertility, muscle mass, mood, and safety of GLP‑1 therapies. If you're considering a testosterone boost without traditional hormone therapy, GLP‑1 agents like Ozempic may offer a compelling path: addressing weight, metabolic health – and testosterone – together. Talk to your endocrinologist to explore whether this novel approach fits your needs and goals. Always approach treatment under medical guidance – monitoring weight, hormones, metabolic health, fertility, and side effects. Study suggests digital apps can help chronic pain sufferers
Time of India
a day ago
- Time of India
Shocking! Loneliness can be linked to Diabetes; here's how
A recent study presented at ENDO 2025 reveals a significant link between social isolation and increased risk of diabetes and poor blood sugar control in older adults. Analyzing data from the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES), researchers found that isolated individuals were significantly more likely to develop diabetes and struggle with blood sugar management. Loneliness may not only affect your mental health, but may also affect your physical health. It might not just hurt your feelings, but may harm your health, and even lead to diabetes. Yes, that's right. A recent study has found that socially isolated individuals have an increased risk of developing certain diseases. A recent study presented at ENDO 2025, the Endocrine Society's annual meeting in San Francisco, California, found that people who are isolated have an increased risk of developing diabetes and high blood sugar. Isolation and diseases The researchers looked at how social isolation is a growing concern since the COVID-19 pandemic, and it is emerging as a major health risk, especially for older adults. They found that isolation could even be linked to diabetes and high blood sugar in older adults. Diabetes is a chronic condition that occurs when the body either doesn't produce enough insulin or can't effectively use the insulin it does produce. This could lead to high blood sugar levels, which can cause serious health complications if not managed properly, including heart disease, kidney damage, and vision problems. High blood pressure, on the other hand, is a 'silent killer', and goes undetected for years. Hypertension is one of the leading causes of chronic illnesses, including heart disease, stroke, and kidney failure, worldwide. 'Social isolation and loneliness have been increasingly recognized as important health risk factors after the COVID-19 pandemic. Our findings underscore the importance for clinicians to recognize social isolation as a critical social determinant of health when caring for older patients,' lead researcher Samiya Khan, M.D., of the Keck School of Medicine at the University of Southern California, said. 'These findings are especially relevant given the rapidly growing aging population in the United States and globally, alongside the widespread prevalence of social isolation and loneliness among older adults,' Khan added. BELLY FAT BLUES: The Waistline Warning Sign of Diabetes The researchers also added that though previous studies have looked at the connection between social isolation and diabetes, this recent study is among the first to examine its link to poor glycemic control using a nationally representative sample of data that reflects the broader US population. The study The researchers analyzed data from the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES) from 2003-2008. NHANES is a survey program to assess the health and nutritional status of adults and children in the US. Analysing that, the researchers looked at the data of 3,833 adults aged 60 to 84. This represents about 38 million older people in the US. They found that socially isolated older adults were 34% more likely to have diabetes and 75% more likely to have poor blood sugar control than those who were not isolated. This study has pointed out that isolation could be a vital factor, which is often overlooked when it comes to diabetes and poor blood sugar management in older adults. 'These findings underscore the importance of social connections for the well-being of older adults. Physicians should recognize social isolation as a potential risk factor among elderly patients for both diabetes and high blood sugar,' Khan added.
