Latest news with #GLP1
Yahoo
an hour ago
- Health
- Yahoo
Sugar, sex and your health: The connection you might be ignoring
Dr. Jamin Brahmbhatt is a urologist and robotic surgeon with Orlando Health and an assistant professor at the University of Central Florida's College of Medicine. When most of us think about sugar, I bet we're not thinking about our sex lives. We're thinking about dessert. I'm writing this with the help of a bowl of vanilla ice cream by my side. Sugar makes us feel good in the moment, but over time, too much of it may cause us to lose out on some of life's most intimate moments. In 2025, everyone's been buzzing about GLP-1 injections to help control sugar and lose weight. This new class of medication has helped many achieve meaningful health gains — including improved blood sugar, weight loss — and even improvements to people's sex lives (because they could be getting better sleep, too). My goal here isn't to discount the use of GLP-1 drugs or suggest people are taking them unnecessarily (although some people may be). My intent is to spark a broader conversation: What if we also paid more attention to the root cause: our love for sugar and its downstream effects on mood, metabolism, sex and more? Most people associate blood sugar with diabetes, but few know what is 'normal.' Blood sugar levels can be checked in real time with a simple finger stick, via home glucose monitor or through wearable devices such as continuous glucose monitors (those coin-size devices you may see on people's upper arms), which provide feedback on glucose levels throughout the day. What do we see when this test is done? Following is the American Diabetes Association range of reference for blood glucose levels, but they are not meant for you to diagnose yourself with diabetes. In many instances, your provider may double- or even triple-check these numbers before labeling you with 'diabetes.' All numbers should be evaluated by your health care provider. Fasting blood sugar (no food for at least eight hours prior): Normal: below 100 mg/dL (milligrams per deciliter) Prediabetes: 100 to 125 mg/dL Diabetes: 126 mg/dL or higher Random blood sugar (taken any time of day): Diabetes is often diagnosed if levels are 200 mg/dL or higher with symptoms. The point-of-care glucose test gives a snapshot, but there's one lab that tells the full story — the hemoglobin A1c. This blood test measures the percentage of hemoglobin proteins in your blood that have glucose attached to it — giving you and your health care providers a picture of your average blood sugar over the past two to three months. This makes it a reliable indicator of how well your body manages glucose over time. Here's how the American Diabetes Association breaks it down: Normal: A1c below 5.7% Prediabetes: 5.7% to 6.4% Diabetes: 6.5% or higher In my work as a surgeon, checking A1c before any procedure — especially those involving implants — is standard practice. Elevated A1c levels are strongly linked to poor recovery, infection risks and surgical complications. So, whether it's a major urologic procedure or something else, keeping your glucose in check matters more than most people realize. Sexual health is rarely the first thing people associate with blood sugar, but chronically high glucose levels can have an impact on intimacy — for everyone. In men, high blood sugar can damage the nerves and blood vessels essential for achieving and maintaining erections. Over time, this can present as erectile dysfunction, before a man is ever diagnosed with or thought to be at risk for diabetes. High blood sugar can also lower testosterone levels, which then reduce libido and energy. Many of my patients who do not get routine screenings from their primary care providers come to see me because of changes in sexual performance — only to later discover their blood sugar is out of control. For these patients, their first clue that something was wrong wasn't thirst, weight changes or fatigue (the more common early signs of diabetes) — it was trouble in the bedroom. In women, high blood sugar can lead to reduced blood flow and hormone imbalances, which may cause vaginal dryness, painful sex or problems with orgasm. It can also increase the risk of recurrent urinary tract infections, which can make intimacy painful or less appealing. Many women can feel frustrated and confused about whether these changes are expected from aging, post-menopause, stress or something else. A poor sugar level is usually the last thing on their mind. Diabetes is incredibly common — about 38 million Americans have it — and nearly 1 in 4 don't even know it, according to the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Traditionally, diabetes treatment started with oral medications like metformin, which helps lower glucose by reducing sugar production in the liver. Other classes of pills work in different ways, either by increasing insulin release or helping the kidneys flush out excess sugar. These medications are typically prescribed for people in the earlier stages of diabetes or with mildly elevated A1c. Injectable medications may be necessary when oral pills aren't enough to treat the disease. For years, that often meant daily insulin injections, which many patients found to be burdensome but necessary. Insulin needs to be carefully timed with meals, and dosing can be tricky. There's also a real fear of low blood sugar episodes, which can make some people hesitant to start or stick with the therapy. Over the past few years, GLP-1 receptor agonist drugs have become part of many people's treatment regimens. This class of medication is known by names like semaglutide, liraglutide and tirzepatide. These injections mimic a natural hormone in your body that helps regulate blood sugar, slows down digestion and make you feel fuller faster. While they were originally developed to treat type 2 diabetes, they've gained worldwide attention for helping people lose weight. In fact, many patients now ask and get these medications before any other option — not just to manage blood sugar, but to lose weight. These medications also may help normalize testosterone levels in men with obesity or type 2 diabetes, according to preliminary research presented at the Endocrine Society's annual meeting this week. Researchers tracked 110 men who were prescribed GLP-1 injections but were not taking any testosterone therapy. Over the course of 18 months, as participants lost on average about 10% of their body weight, the number of men with normal testosterone levels increased from 53% to 77%. This rise highlights how medications originally designed for diabetes and weight loss also may improve hormone levels in men. While this abstract has not yet been peer-reviewed and more research is needed, these findings add to a growing body of evidence that managing weight and blood sugar can have ripple effects across nearly every aspect of health — including testosterone, energy and sexual function. Before turning immediately to medications, don't underestimate what consistent lifestyle changes can do, not just for your blood sugar but for your whole life. Regular exercise improves insulin sensitivity, supports weight loss, boosts energy and even enhances sexual function by improving blood flow and hormone balance. A balanced diet — one that's rich in whole foods, fiber and lean protein — can stabilize blood sugar and reduce inflammation that contributes to chronic disease. Better sleep, reduced alcohol and managing stress all play a role, too. So, if you're debating between an injection or a new routine, maybe this time reach for the gym bag before you try anything else. You might just find it changes more than your labs. It might change how you feel about yourself. As for me, the next time I help myself to that scoop of ice cream while writing, I'll remember that it's not just about my waistline — it's about my energy, my heart and my sexual health. And now that I'm done with this article, I'll pick up my gym bag and walk the walk (to the gym) that I'm talking here. Get inspired by a weekly roundup on living well, made simple. Sign up for CNN's Life, But Better newsletter for information and tools designed to improve your well-being.
CNN
2 hours ago
- Health
- CNN
Sugar, sex and your health: The connection you might be ignoring
Chronic diseases Food & health Prescription drugsFacebookTweetLink Follow Dr. Jamin Brahmbhatt is a urologist and robotic surgeon with Orlando Health and an assistant professor at the University of Central Florida's College of Medicine. When most of us think about sugar, I bet we're not thinking about our sex lives. We're thinking about dessert. I'm writing this with the help of a bowl of vanilla ice cream by my side. Sugar makes us feel good in the moment, but over time, too much of it may cause us to lose out on some of life's most intimate moments. In 2025, everyone's been buzzing about GLP-1 injections to help control sugar and lose weight. This new class of medication has helped many achieve meaningful health gains — including improved blood sugar, weight loss — and even improvements to people's sex lives (because they could be getting better sleep, too). My goal here isn't to discount the use of GLP-1 drugs or suggest people are taking them unnecessarily (although some people may be). My intent is to spark a broader conversation: What if we also paid more attention to the root cause: our love for sugar and its downstream effects on mood, metabolism, sex and more? Most people associate blood sugar with diabetes, but few know what is 'normal.' Blood sugar levels can be checked in real time with a simple finger stick, via home glucose monitor or through wearable devices such as continuous glucose monitors (those coin-size devices you may see on people's upper arms), which provide feedback on glucose levels throughout the day. What do we see when this test is done? Following is the American Diabetes Association range of reference for blood glucose levels, but they are not meant for you to diagnose yourself with diabetes. In many instances, your provider may double- or even triple-check these numbers before labeling you with 'diabetes.' All numbers should be evaluated by your health care provider. Fasting blood sugar (no food for at least eight hours prior): Normal: below 100 mg/dL (milligrams per deciliter) Prediabetes: 100 to 125 mg/dL Diabetes: 126 mg/dL or higher Random blood sugar (taken any time of day): Diabetes is often diagnosed if levels are 200 mg/dL or higher with symptoms. The point-of-care glucose test gives a snapshot, but there's one lab that tells the full story — the hemoglobin A1c. This blood test measures the percentage of hemoglobin proteins in your blood that have glucose attached to it — giving you and your health care providers a picture of your average blood sugar over the past two to three months. This makes it a reliable indicator of how well your body manages glucose over time. Here's how the American Diabetes Association breaks it down: Normal: A1c below 5.7% Prediabetes: 5.7% to 6.4% Diabetes: 6.5% or higher In my work as a surgeon, checking A1c before any procedure — especially those involving implants — is standard practice. Elevated A1c levels are strongly linked to poor recovery, infection risks and surgical complications. So, whether it's a major urologic procedure or something else, keeping your glucose in check matters more than most people realize. Sexual health is rarely the first thing people associate with blood sugar, but chronically high glucose levels can have an impact on intimacy — for everyone. In men, high blood sugar can damage the nerves and blood vessels essential for achieving and maintaining erections. Over time, this can present as erectile dysfunction, before a man is ever diagnosed with or thought to be at risk for diabetes. High blood sugar can also lower testosterone levels, which then reduce libido and energy. Many of my patients who do not get routine screenings from their primary care providers come to see me because of changes in sexual performance — only to later discover their blood sugar is out of control. For these patients, their first clue that something was wrong wasn't thirst, weight changes or fatigue (the more common early signs of diabetes) — it was trouble in the bedroom. In women, high blood sugar can lead to reduced blood flow and hormone imbalances, which may cause vaginal dryness, painful sex or problems with orgasm. It can also increase the risk of recurrent urinary tract infections, which can make intimacy painful or less appealing. Many women can feel frustrated and confused about whether these changes are expected from aging, post-menopause, stress or something else. A poor sugar level is usually the last thing on their mind. Diabetes is incredibly common — about 38 million Americans have it — and nearly 1 in 4 don't even know it, according to the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Traditionally, diabetes treatment started with oral medications like metformin, which helps lower glucose by reducing sugar production in the liver. Other classes of pills work in different ways, either by increasing insulin release or helping the kidneys flush out excess sugar. These medications are typically prescribed for people in the earlier stages of diabetes or with mildly elevated A1c. Injectable medications may be necessary when oral pills aren't enough to treat the disease. For years, that often meant daily insulin injections, which many patients found to be burdensome but necessary. Insulin needs to be carefully timed with meals, and dosing can be tricky. There's also a real fear of low blood sugar episodes, which can make some people hesitant to start or stick with the therapy. Over the past few years, GLP-1 receptor agonist drugs have become part of many people's treatment regimens. This class of medication is known by names like semaglutide, liraglutide and tirzepatide. These injections mimic a natural hormone in your body that helps regulate blood sugar, slows down digestion and make you feel fuller faster. While they were originally developed to treat type 2 diabetes, they've gained worldwide attention for helping people lose weight. In fact, many patients now ask and get these medications before any other option — not just to manage blood sugar, but to lose weight. These medications also may help normalize testosterone levels in men with obesity or type 2 diabetes, according to preliminary research presented at the Endocrine Society's annual meeting this week. Researchers tracked 110 men who were prescribed GLP-1 injections but were not taking any testosterone therapy. Over the course of 18 months, as participants lost on average about 10% of their body weight, the number of men with normal testosterone levels increased from 53% to 77%. This rise highlights how medications originally designed for diabetes and weight loss also may improve hormone levels in men. While this abstract has not yet been peer-reviewed and more research is needed, these findings add to a growing body of evidence that managing weight and blood sugar can have ripple effects across nearly every aspect of health — including testosterone, energy and sexual function. Before turning immediately to medications, don't underestimate what consistent lifestyle changes can do, not just for your blood sugar but for your whole life. Regular exercise improves insulin sensitivity, supports weight loss, boosts energy and even enhances sexual function by improving blood flow and hormone balance. A balanced diet — one that's rich in whole foods, fiber and lean protein — can stabilize blood sugar and reduce inflammation that contributes to chronic disease. Better sleep, reduced alcohol and managing stress all play a role, too. So, if you're debating between an injection or a new routine, maybe this time reach for the gym bag before you try anything else. You might just find it changes more than your labs. It might change how you feel about yourself. As for me, the next time I help myself to that scoop of ice cream while writing, I'll remember that it's not just about my waistline — it's about my energy, my heart and my sexual health. And now that I'm done with this article, I'll pick up my gym bag and walk the walk (to the gym) that I'm talking here. Get inspired by a weekly roundup on living well, made simple. Sign up for CNN's Life, But Better newsletter for information and tools designed to improve your well-being.
Yahoo
4 hours ago
- Health
- Yahoo
Weight loss drugs can boost testosterone in men, study finds
Popular weight loss medications like Ozempic can help reverse low testosterone levels in men with obesity or Type 2 diabetes, according to new research. Building on previous studies that show weight loss surgery or lifestyle changes can increase testosterone levels in the body, researchers at SSM Health St. Louis University Hospital analyzed the electronic health records of 110 men with obesity or Type 2 diabetes to monitor changes in the hormone while taking GLP-1 receptor agonists, such as semgalutide and tirzepatide. They measured testosterone levels before taking the medications and for 18 months after starting the treatment. Roughly half of the men had low to low-normal testosterone at the start of the study and most reached normal levels after treatment. The mean age of the participants was 54. 'The increases we observed were more modest than what you would typically see with testosterone replacement therapy,' said lead author Dr. Shellsea Portillo Canales, endocrinologist at SSM Health St. Louis University Hospital, via email. 'However, they occurred naturally, without testosterone replacement therapy (TRT), and likely reflect the body recovering its normal hormone production as weight and insulin resistance improved.' The study highlights the need for men already on testosterone therapies to closely monitor their levels after starting weight loss medications, Portillo said. In some cases, men may need to have their testosterone supplement doses lowered or discontinued, especially if their testosterone normalizes while on weight loss medications. There are limitations to the new study. The findings don't prove the increase in testosterone levels was caused by the drugs semaglutide or tirzepatide. It was a retrospective study, meaning the researchers analyzed existing medical records over time, rather than conducting a randomized clinical trial. And they didn't check testosterone levels after the men stopped the drugs. 'If weight is regained, testosterone levels could potentially drop again,' Portillo said. The study findings were presented this Monday at ENDO 2025, the Endocrine Society's annual meeting in San Francisco. The researchers are planning to submit it to a medical journal for peer review. Dr. Susan Spratt, professor of medicine at Duke University School of Medicine, said many men are overtreated with testosterone therapy when they have levels on the lower normal side. 'It would be better to treat obesity or diabetes and naturally increase testosterone than to prescribe testosterone — which has known risks,' said Spratt, who was not part of the study. Some risks of testosterone therapy include worsening sleep apnea, acne, enlarging the prostate or breasts, increasing growth of prostate cancer, reducing sperm counts, causing the testicles to shrink and increasing the risk of clots, according to Mayo Clinic. 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 findings from this study highlight an important intersection between metabolic health and hormonal balance,' Stanford said. 'This dual benefit underscores the potential of these medications to enhance overall health outcomes, including reproductive health, in this population.' Normal testosterone levels are between 300 to 1,000 nanograms per deciliter. Testosterone tends to decline gradually with age, starting around the late 30s to early 40s. By age 75, the average male testosterone level drops to about 65% of the average level seen in young adults, Portillo said. 'Improving testosterone can enhance quality of life and possibly reduce health risks associated with low levels,' Portillo said. Spratt said it's important to distinguish between normal testosterone levels that increase but remain in the normal range, versus low testosterone levels that increase to normal. Testosterone levels that are truly low are most concerning because low testosterone can lower bone density (which increases the risk of fracture), reduce muscle mass, lower hemoglobin (red blood cells) levels and decrease libido, experts say. 'However, treating low normal testosterone without a known cause is controversial and has increased in the past decade likely due to direct-to-consumer marketing,' Spratt said. The researchers only included men in the study, because they didn't expect weight loss drugs to raise testosterone levels in women. '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. In those cases, testosterone testing can help diagnose conditions like polycystic ovary syndrome, or PCOS, adrenal disorders or rare tumors. Some studies in women with PCOS, a condition which raises testosterone levels, suggest GLP-1 therapies may help slightly lower testosterone by improving metabolism and reducing insulin resistance. Certain conditions are well known to decrease testosterone in men, including excess fat, especially around the abdomen, which interferes with hormone signals from the brain to the testicle, experts say. 'Fortunately, weight loss, whether through lifestyle changes or medications, can reverse it in many cases,' Portillo said. This article was originally published on
Gizmodo
6 hours ago
- Health
- Gizmodo
Need a Testosterone Boost? Maybe Try Some Ozempic
Is there anything that Ozempic and drugs like it can't do? A study out today finds that GLP-1 medications often raise men's testosterone. Scientists in St. Louis, Missouri, led the research, which studied men taking one of several GLP-1 drugs for their type 2 diabetes or obesity. On average, men's testosterone rose significantly after they started taking a GLP-1, with many reaching normal levels. The findings suggest these weight loss drugs can also have reproductive health benefits for men, the researchers say. These Genetically Modified Mice Make Their Own 'Ozempic' Testosterone is important to both men's and women's health, but it's especially vital to the former. In men, it helps maintain muscle mass, bone density, and fertility, to name a few functions. People who develop type 2 diabetes or obesity often experience declining T levels. Conversely, people who lose weight or get their blood sugar under control tend to regain this lost testosterone. According to the study authors, however, there isn't much research looking into what happens to men and their testosterone once they start taking GLP-1s like semaglutide (the active ingredient in the diabetes drug Ozempic and the obesity drug Wegovy). And they wanted to better understand the broader health benefits of these medications beyond weight loss alone. The team analyzed over 200 men with type 2 diabetes or obesity who were prescribed a GLP-1 (semaglutide, tirzepatide, or the older GLP-1 dulaglutide) and who were not taking added testosterone or other hormones. The men's blood sugar control and weight improved, as expected, with an average weight loss of 10%—and so did their testosterone. Men's average total and free testosterone levels rose noticeably from their baseline. Only 53% of men had normal T levels before GLP-1 treatments; afterward, the same was true for 77% of men. The team's findings were presented Monday at the Endocrine Society's annual meeting. The T-boosting effects of GLP-1 therapy weren't quite as large as those seen with other weight loss treatments, particularly surgery. These drugs offer their own advantages, though, according to lead study researcher Shellsea Portillo Canales. 'It's less dramatic than the rise seen after bariatric surgery, which typically causes rapid and substantial hormonal shifts,' Portillo Canales, an endocrinology fellow at SSM Health St. Louis University Hospital, told Gizmodo. 'However, the benefit of GLP-1s is that they are non-invasive, more accessible, and can help improve testosterone naturally, especially when combined with sustained weight loss.' Could Ozempic Treat Migraines, Too? Small Study Finds Early Promise for GLP-1s The improvement in men's testosterone levels correlated well with how many pounds they shed, suggesting that weight loss is the primary driver of this effect. But Portillo Canales doesn't rule out that other factors, like improved glucose control and lower inflammation, could matter, too. The researchers would like to further confirm this link through prospective studies that proactively track men and their testosterone levels once on GLP-1 therapy. But given that these patients are already taking these drugs for their diabetes or obesity, the potential boost in testosterone could be seen as a nifty bonus at the very least. Just be careful, though. Portillo Canales notes that if men stop taking a GLP-1 and start to gain back weight, their testosterone levels might sink back down along with it.
Medscape
10 hours ago
- Health
- Medscape
Improving Outcomes on GLP-1s: Lifestyle Factors Remain Crucial
This transcript has been edited for clarity. This is Dr JoAnn Manson, professor of medicine at Harvard Medical School and Brigham and Women's Hospital. I'd like to talk with you about a recent Clinical Insights article in JAMA Internal Medicine, which is a very brief, succinct, two-page article about improving outcomes of patients on GLP-1 medications by integrating diet and physical activity guidance. The bottom line: Lifestyle factors remain crucial for patients on GLP-1 medications to optimize outcomes. This paper also comes with a companion JAMA Patient Page that contains patient-friendly and accessible information to help patients utilize these takeaways. I'd like to acknowledge that I'm a co-author of the Clinical Insights article and Patient Page. Now, we know that the GLP-1 medications and dual receptor agonist medications are very effective in terms of weight loss, achieving about 20% weight loss or more. But we also know from randomized trials that loss of muscle mass and lean body mass is also quite common, sometimes accounting for 25% or more of the total weight loss. Also, gastrointestinal symptoms — such as nausea, constipation, and reflux — can limit the use of these medications, lead to drug discontinuation, and subsequently results in weight regain. So, the goal of the Clinical Insights article and Patient Page is to help improve patient outcomes, avoid muscle loss, and avoid the gastrointestinal symptoms that can lead to drug discontinuation. The article provides information on how to incorporate a healthy diet while on GLP-1s, which consists of a largely plant-based diet that ensures adequate protein intake and adequate hydration — sometimes requiring 2-3 liters of water, or more, per day. These publications also help identify situations in which patients may benefit from micronutrient supplementation and, importantly, provide guidance on physical activity. Aerobic exercise is recommended but, in particular, resistance activities and muscle-strengthening activities can help mitigate the muscle loss and the lean body mass loss that commonly occurs on these medications. The Clinical Insights article and accompanying Patient Page also provide information on ways to minimize the likelihood of having gastrointestinal symptoms that would limit GLP-1 use. Overall, we hope that this information will be a good resource that will result in better care for patients on GLP-1 medications and better outcomes.
