Because sperm production relies on natural testosterone production in the testis, and testosterone replacement can decrease spermatogenesis, participants in a second treatment arm, will receive an oral drug called clomiphene for six months, which can increase the body's own testosterone production and thus increases sperm production.

"Clomiphene can serve as a simple oral alternative treatment to testosterone replacement, especially for men who are interested in fertility," says Dhindsa.

Specifically, the study will assess the effects of low testosterone on insulin sensitivity, the ability of the body to handle glucose, fat and muscle mass at specific areas of the body, expression of mediators of inflammation in the blood and semen quality

"We hope that this project will help us understand the state of low testosterone in young type 2 diabetic men who are in their peak fertility years, and give us insights into treatment of this condition," says Dhindsa. "With the rising prevalence of type 2 diabetes in the young, this project may have implications for public health."

Source: University at Buffalo