A significant percentage of the U.S. population is struggling with diabetes. That’s according to several studies, including one published by the National Library of Medicine. It revealed that over 37 million adults have the disease, which occurs when the body can’t produce or use insulin properly. When either of the two happens, it can trigger high blood glucose levels, which can lead to heart disease, kidney damage, and vision problems.
Diabetic ketoacidosis can also stem from elevated or high blood glucose levels caused by uncontrolled diabetes. For those unaware, diabetic ketoacidosis is a life-threatening condition that occurs when the body produces too many ketones, acids the body makes when it uses fat instead of glucose for energy, too quickly. Diabetic ketoacidosis can trigger breathing problems, nausea, vomiting, abdominal pain, confusion, and extreme tiredness. Of the roughly 37 American adults living with diabetes, around 90% to 95% have type 2. The remainder have type 1.
The Difference Between Type 1 and Type 2 Diabetes
While both can trigger high blood glucose levels that can lead to severe health problems, there are some differences between type 1 and type 2 diabetes. The type 1 variant occurs when the immune system attacks the insulin-producing cells in the pancreas, impeding the body’s ability to produce insulin. When someone has type 2 diabetes, the pancreas produces insulin. But cells are resistant to its effects. That resistance makes it difficult for the body to use that much-needed insulin. The onset of symptoms is also different when it comes to type 1 and type 2 diabetes. Symptoms typically appear quicker and are usually more severe when someone has the type 1 variant. Meanwhile, type 2 symptoms generally develop gradually and are often milder. Symptoms commonly associated with both type 1 and type 2 diabetes can include the following:
- Blurry vision
- Chronic thirst
- Extreme or chronic hunger
- Fatigue
- Frequent urination, especially at night
- Slow-healing wounds or sores
- Unexplained weight loss
What Causes Diabetes?
Genetics are the primary contributor to type 1 diabetes. Studies show that there are more than 50 known genes that can influence an individual’s risk of developing type 1 diabetes. Meanwhile, type 2 is often a byproduct of poor lifestyle choices, such as being overweight, physical inactivity, unhealthy eating, smoking, and excessive alcohol consumption. The following are also risk factors for type 2 diabetes:
- Being age 45 or older
- Being a woman and having a history of gestational diabetes or having previously given birth to a baby weighing over 9 pounds
- Having non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD)
Hormone Imbalances and Diabetes: What More People Should Know
One contributor to type 2 diabetes that doesn’t get as much attention as it should is hormonal imbalances. One of those imbalances is low testosterone. Studies show that low testosterone levels can lead to an increased risk of developing this form of diabetes. In men, the testes, hypothalamus, and the pituitary gland are responsible for secreting and releasing testosterone into the blood. The hormone testosterone plays many critical roles in the male body, some of which include the following:
- Bone and muscle health
- Fat distribution
- Red blood cell production
- Regulating energy and mood
- Reproductive health
- The development and maintenance of male characteristics, such as facial hair, a deep voice, and muscle growth
When testosterone levels dip below 300 nanograms per deciliter (ng/dL) in men, it can increase their chances of developing type 2 diabetes by decreasing insulin sensitivity, reducing muscle mass, increasing fat accumulation, and triggering inflammation throughout the body. Along with the many side effects of diabetes, such as organ damage, vision problems, and so on, individuals with type 2 diabetes caused by low testosterone or low T levels are also at a heightened risk of developing diabetic neuropathy. The risk is even higher among men struggling with diabetes coupled with elevated cortisol levels and unmanaged stress.
What Is Diabetic Neuropathy?
Diabetic neuropathy is a type of nerve damage that affects individuals with uncontrolled diabetes. It can occur in those with type 1 or type 2 diabetes and often damages nerves in the legs and feet. It can also adversely affect the digestive system, urinary tract, blood vessels, and heart. According to a study published by the Mayo Clinic, one of the largest nonprofit academic health systems in the U.S., an estimated 50% of people with diabetes have diabetic neuropathy.
Several types of diabetic neuropathy can stem from high blood sugar levels when someone has diabetes. They include peripheral neuropathy, autonomic neuropathy, proximal neuropathy, and mononeuropathy. Symptoms associated with each usually come on gradually and can vary depending on the type of diabetic neuropathy one has. Some of the ones common across all forms of diabetic neuropathy include numbness, pain, tingling, and burning sensations. Muscle weakness and atrophy in affected areas are also common. Symptoms associated with autonomic neuropathy, specifically, can include the following:
- Constipation or diarrhea
- Difficulty digesting food
- Difficulty urinating
- Dizziness upon standing
- Excessive sweating or lack of sweating
- Sexual dysfunction
How Testosterone Replacement Therapy Can Benefit Individuals With Diabetic Neuropathy
Testosterone replacement therapy, also known as TRT, is a pharmacotherapy that involves using FDA-approved prescription drugs to boost low testosterone levels in the blood. Along with providing relief from symptoms commonly associated with low testosterone, such as erectile dysfunction (ED), depression, fatigue, and decreased muscle mass and strength, studies show that TRT can combat symptoms typical of diabetic neuropathy and even slow its progression. Popular TRT medications include topical gels, such as AndroGel, Fortesta, Testim, and Vogelxo. There are also testosterone injections, some of which include Depo-Testosterone, Delatestryl, Aveed, and Testopel. Transdermal patches, like Androderm and Testoderm, are also helpful.
In summary, diabetic neuropathy is another one of the many side effects associated with diabetes resulting from low testosterone. While diabetic neuropathy is not reversible, TRT treatments and healthy lifestyle habits, such as consuming a healthy, well-balanced diet, exercising regularly, and getting plenty of sleep each night, can help manage and improve symptoms associated with the condition.