Call for subjects in Australian testosterone-driven diabetes study
The A$4.8m study, which claims to be the first of its kind in the world, will look at the potential benefits of treating men with testosterone supplements in conjunction with a dedicated weight-loss program through Weight Watchers.
Up to 1,500 men aged 50-74 are now being sought for this groundbreaking study in South Australia, Victoria, New South Wales and Western Australia.
“We know that as men get older and gain weight—especially when they become large around the belly—they often suffer from reduced testosterone levels,” said the leader of the study, Professor Gary Wittert of the University of Adelaide's School of Medicine.
“Lower testosterone has many implications for men's health, such as reduced motivation to exercise and lack of sexual function. It is also closely associated with type 2 diabetes, which is an enormous health burden for Australia.
“By giving testosterone supplements to men in that critical pre-diabetes stage, and by putting them on a dedicated weight-loss program, we expect to see sustained reductions in weight and a reduced chance to develop type 2 diabetes.”
Men who sign up for the study will be given complimentary access to Weight Watchers and can follow the programme either by attending meetings or online.
Wittert said the study, which will be conducted over at least two years of the participants' lives, could potentially have a range of other health benefits for those who take part in it.
“Our hope is that this study will be a life-changing event for many men in Australia,” he explained. “Older men who have developed a large belly and are at risk of diabetes now have an opportunity to do something about their weight, improve their lives, and provide us with all-important research results that could benefit many others in the future."
