[Role of androgen in the elderly. The role of androgen on metabolic parameters].

Low concentrations of endogenous androgens have been linked with insulin resistance, which is an important upstream driver for metabolic abnormalities such as hyperglycemia, dyslipidemia or hypertension. Androgen deprivation therapy is associated with an increased incidence of diabetes and cardiovascular disease. On the other hand, administration of testosterone to hypogonadal men improved insulin sensitivity and glucose homeostasis. Men with diabetes have been reported to have lower serum testosterone concentrations than non-diabetic men, which lead to insulin resistance, depression, cognitive dysfunction, sexual dysfunction and cardiovascular disease. Further basic and clinical studies investigating the role for androgen on metabolic parameters and atherosclerosis are needed.