ABSTRACT

Introduction: Diabetes is one of the most common chronic metabolic diseases resulting in sexual dysfunction (SD) in men. There is limited data regarding SD and testosterone deficiency (hypogonadism) in subjects with type 2 diabetes (T2D) from India. This study aims to determine the prevalence of SD and hypogonadism, and the correlation of hypogonadism with complications of diabetes among adult males with T2D from North India. Methods: In this prospective observational study, people aged 18 to 70 years with T2D (diagnosed for at least 1 year) were evaluated for SD using the International Index of Erectile Function (IIEF) questionnaire. The demographic, anthropometry, biochemical parameters, and history of microvascular and macrovascular complications were recorded. In participants with low IIEF score (=3), serum total testosterone (TT) was

measured twice 4 weeks apart and those with both values <280 ng/dL were defined to have hypogonadism. Results: Among the 253 patients (55.82 ± 8.42 years) enrolled, the prevalence of SD and hypogonadism was 27.7% and 18.6%, respectively. Patient on insulin treatment had more odds of hypogonadism likely because of more advanced diseases. Hypogonadism was significantly associated with the presence of neuropathy and nephropathy (p < 0.0001 and p = 0.0013, respectively). There was also significant association of hypogonadism with cerebrovascular events and coronary artery disease (p < 0.0001).

Conclusion: There is a high prevalence of SD and hypogonadism in adult males with T2D. Hypogonadism was significantly correlated with insulin treatment and associated diabetes complications.

Keywords: Sexual dysfunction, hypogonadism, erectile dysfunction, testosterone, type 2 diabetes