Type 2 diabetes occurs when the pancreas can’t make enough insulin to overcome insulin resistance. Researchers are still trying to understand the role that low testosterone plays in developing insulin resistance. According to the American Diabetes Association (ADA), if you have diabetes, you’re twice as likely to have low testosterone than people who don’t have diabetes. "Honestly, a low libido is one of the least heard symptoms," McDevitt says. "What I’ve noticed in my patients," says McDevitt, "is that anyone in the 400s will start to exhibit symptoms of low T." In that case, your doctor may prescribe an aromatase inhibitor like anastrozole or TRT. The researchers don’t factor in pre-existing conditions or peoples’ lifestyles, which can skew the results, she notes. Importantly, in 15% of men, testosterone levels declined into the hypogonadal range, indicating the potential to make an erroneous diagnosis of hypogonadism if testosterone is measured after eating. In fact, a large epidemiological study of 3,369 community dwelling men in Europe found that the prevalence of hypogonadism when defined by a combination of clinical and biochemical criteria was only 2% although it increased with age, body mass index (BMI), and number of comorbid illnesses (7). Dr. Dandona says this is the first definitive evidence that testosterone is an insulin sensitizer and hence a metabolic hormone. Fasting glucose levels also diminished significantly, by 12 milligrams per deciliter. Based on the available evidence, fenugreek has benefits for lowering blood sugar levels, boosting testosterone, and increasing milk production in people who are breastfeeding. In one older study, taking 300 milligrams (mg) of fenugreek twice daily for 8 weeks led to significant increases in testosterone levels in men when combined with resistance training. When it comes to type 1 diabetes, which occurs when the body has an insufficient supply of insulin rather than a resistance to insulin, there's no proven link to low testosterone levels. Some doctors do not advise prescribing TRT to people younger than 65 years of age, even if they have low testosterone levels, since the long-term risks aren’t well understood. The study found that taking TRT improved blood sugar control, insulin resistance, cholesterol levels, and visceral fat. Testosterone may improve insulin resistance in people with diabetes, but it’s important to talk with a doctor about the risks of taking testosterone therapy. Testosterone tends to decline gradually with age, starting around the late 30s to early 40s. "This dual benefit underscores the potential of these medications to enhance overall health outcomes, including reproductive health, in this population." The study shows the dual benefit of weight loss medications in men, said Dr. Fatima Cody Stanford, obesity medicine physician scientist at Massachusetts General Hospital and Harvard Medical School. The study findings were presented this Monday at ENDO 2025, the Endocrine Society’s annual meeting in San Francisco. It was a retrospective study, meaning the researchers analyzed existing medical records over time, rather than conducting a randomized clinical trial. In addition, some reviews and anecdotal reports from traditional medicine suggest that fenugreek can improve metabolism, ease digestive issues, and treat numerous other conditions. Fenugreek may help prevent metabolic conditions, such as diabetes. But what happens when your level drops below your target range? This target should be discussed with your health care team. He works in addiction medicine, so is very passionate about decreasing substance abuse, combating homelessness and improving mental health. Shiv Sudhakar, M.D., is an infectious disease specialist and health contributor to NBC News Health. In those cases, testosterone testing can help diagnose conditions like polycystic ovary syndrome, or PCOS, adrenal disorders or rare tumors. "In general, we don’t routinely measure testosterone in women, unless there are signs of a hormonal imbalance, like excess facial hair (hirsutism), irregular periods, infertility or signs of masculinization," Portillo said. They also had a measurable increase in testosterone concentration. The group that took 600 mg had a decrease in body mass and body fat but an increase in lean mass. In another older 6-week study, 30 males took a supplement with 600 mg of fenugreek extract — along with magnesium, zinc, and vitamin B6 — to assess changes in sexual function and libido. One of the most common reasons men use fenugreek supplements is to boost testosterone. Research suggests that fenugreek may increase breastmilk production and the rate of weight gain in newborn babies. In a 2020 case-control study, mothers with newborns and complaints of insufficient milk were given water soaked with fenugreek. Those who took 600 mg of supplement derived from fenugreek (Testofen), those who took 300 mg of Testofen, and those who took a placebo. In a newer study from 2020, 138 male participants were divided into three groups. Most participants reported increased strength and improved sexual function. Participants also experienced a reduction in body fat compared to the control group, without any decrease in muscle strength. Some studies have found that it has beneficial effects, including an increased libido. Though this research is encouraging, discuss any concerns about breastmilk production with a healthcare professional before taking any supplements or teas.
