OBJECTIVE: Metformin, an oral hypoglycemic agent, has
several other metabolic and hormonal effects. This study aims at
identifying the metabolic effect of metformin on androgens in
diabetic men.
METHODS: The study was conducted at The National Center
for Diabetes Endocrinology and Genetics, Jordan
University Hospital, Amman, Jordan from April 2001 to
September 2001. We studied 15 men with type 2 diabetes mellitus
by measuring fasting serum glucose, insulin, glycosylated
hemoglobin, total and free testosterone, sex hormone binding
globulin, dehydroepiandrosterone sulphate, 17-OH progesterone,
luteinizing hormone, and follicle stimulating hormone before and
after a short course of metformin.
RESULTS: There was a significant decrease in fasting
serum glucose and glycosylated hemoglobin and increase in the
level of 17-OH progesterone. The remainder of the measured
parameters did not show any significant change. Although serum
glucose and glycosylated hemoglobin decreased insulin levels
were not changed.
CONCLUSION: In contrast to normal men there was no change
in androgen levels in diabetics but the 17-OH progesterone was
elevated.
Institution
National Center for Diabetes Endocrinology and Genetics,
Jordan University Hospital, Amman, Jordan.
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