Living with Diabetes
Low Testosterone
- Among men with low testosterone levels, 70% reported ED and 63% reported low sex drive.
- Did you know that over 13 million men suffer from low testosterone and 90% remain untreated?
Low testosterone is a common condition that often goes undiagnosed because its symptoms are similar to other conditions. If you have type 2 diabetes, you are twice as likely to suffer from low testosterone as a man without diabetes.
The symptoms of low testosterone can include diminished interest in sex, erectile dysfunction (ED), reduced lean body mass, depressed mood and lack of energy. If you are experiencing diminished interest in sex, ED or multiple symptoms together such as lack of desire to have sex and lack of energy you should talk to your doctor.
Low testosterone can be easily identified and treated. As a starting point, take the Androgen Deficiency in the Aging Male (ADAM) questionnaire below. This may be helpful in assessing your likelihood of having low testosterone.
Your physician can check your testosterone levels with a simple blood test. If you do have low testosterone it can be easily treated by your physician. There are several treatment options available such as gels, patches or injections that increase the amount of testosterone in your body. You can also ask about a referral to visit an endocrinologist or urologist who specializes in treating conditions like low testosterone.
To learn more about low testosterone, visit isitlowt.com.
Identifying Low Testosterone: The ADAM Questionnaire
(Androgen Deficiency in the Aging Male)
If you are experiencing a lack of interest or desire in sexual activity, take the ADAM questionnaire and share it with your doctor. If you answer yes to questions 1 or 7 or any 3 other questions, you may have low testosterone and you should see your doctor
| 1. Do you have a decrease in libido (sex drive)? | Yes | No |
| 2. Do you have a lack of energy? | Yes | No |
| 3. Do you have a decrease in strength and/or endurance? | Yes | No |
| 4. Have you lost height? | Yes | No |
| 5. Have you noticed a decreased "enjoyment of life" | Yes | No |
| 6. Are you sad and/or grumpy? | Yes | No |
| 7. Are your erections less strong? | Yes | No |
| 8. Have you noticed a recent deterioration in your ability to play sports | Yes | No |
| 9. Are you falling asleep after dinner? | Yes | No |
| 10. Has there been a recent deterioration in your work performance? | Yes | No |
* The ADAM Questionnaire is used with permission from Morley et al.
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