Background: Levels of testosterone and presence of anemia in diabetic males has been in focus over the past decade. Correlation of the testosterone level with anemia in such patients can help in improved diagnosis and management of diabetic condition.

Aim: The present study was conducted to estimate the serum testosterone levels and correlate it with hematocrit levels in type 2 diabetes patients.

Methodology: A total of 150 men were selected and divided into diabetic (HbA1c ≥ 6.5 %; n = 75) and non-diabetic (HbA1c ≤ 6.5 %, n= 75) groups, after diagnosis for the case-control study conducted for a period of 1 year. Serum levels of creatinine, ferritin, and iron were evaluated along with blood sugar and hematocrit levels. Serum testosterone levels were analyzed by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. Pearson’s correlation test, Chi square test, and student t-test were used for statistical analysis.P<0.05 was considered statistically significant.

Results: Testosterone levels were significantly (P< 0.001) correlated with hematocrit levels, body mass index, blood sugar levels, fasting blood sugar levels and postprandial plasma sugar levels. Serum iron levels (82.80 ± 38.09 vs. 93.77 ± 26.7µg/dL; P = 0.043) were significantly reduced in the diabetic patients with low testosterone level (187.42 ± 145.01 vs.406.91 ± 135.55 ng/dL; P = 0.0001). In contrast, serum ferritin level was more in diabetic group (P = 0.0023).

Conclusion: Reduced testosterone level can be used to determine insulin resistance and anemia and therefore can be further assessed for its establishment as a marker for the same.

Keywords: Hematocrit, Anemia, HbA1c, blood sugar

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Dnyanesh N. Morkar

Department of Medicine, Jawaharlal Nehru Medical College,

Belagavi, Karnataka- 590010

Email: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it., Tel: +919448231298