The mediating role of testosterone in the relationship between body fat percentage and diabetes mellitus risk
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By
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Dongdong Wang
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Congcong Jiao
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July 14, 2026
Clinical Report: The Role of Testosterone as a Mediator in the Link Between Body Fat Percentage and Diabetes Mellitus Risk
Overview
This study investigates the mediating role of testosterone in the relationship between body fat percentage (BFP) and diabetes mellitus (DM) risk. Findings indicate that testosterone partially mediates this association.
Background
Diabetes mellitus (DM) is a significant global health issue, with obesity being a primary risk factor. Understanding the biological pathways linking body fat and DM is crucial.
Data Highlights
| Measure | Odds Ratio (OR) | 95% Confidence Interval (CI) |
|---|---|---|
| BFP and DM | 2.684 | 1.981-3.638 |
| BFP and Blood Glucose | 1.147 | 1.097-1.200 |
| BFP and T2DM Risk | 2.456 | 2.120-2.845 |
| Testosterone and BFP | 0.614 | 0.521-0.724 |
| Testosterone Mediation on Blood Glucose | 8.63% | 2.19%-15.10% |
| Testosterone Mediation on T2DM Risk | 3.80% | 0.62%-6.98% |
Key Findings
- BFP is significantly associated with DM (OR = 2.684).
- Testosterone mediates the BFP-DM association, accounting for 6.24% of the total effect.
- The mediating effect of testosterone is significant in males (14.92%) but not in females.
- Higher BFP is linked to increased blood glucose and T2DM risk.
- Testosterone levels are inversely related to BFP.
- No significant mediation was found for BFP and T1DM.
Clinical Implications
Clinicians should consider the role of testosterone in assessing diabetes risk in obese male patients.
Conclusion
The findings suggest that testosterone may play a partial mediating role in the relationship between body fat percentage and diabetes risk. Further studies are necessary to validate these results.
Related Resources & Content
- The Journal of Clinical Endocrinology & Metabolism, 2021 -- Impact of Testosterone Therapy on Male Sexual Function: A Secondary Analysis from the T4DM Trial
- Frontiers in Endocrinology, 2026 -- Potential role of maintaining physiological testosterone levels in improving glucose metabolism among normal-weight Japanese women: a pilot exploratory study
- Frontiers in Endocrinology, 2026 -- Serum testosterone and cardiometabolic risk in Nigerian men with type 2 diabetes: a cross−sectional study
- The Journal of Clinical Endocrinology & Metabolism, 2021 -- Changes in Aromatase and Estrogen Receptor Expression in Adipose Tissue of Obese Men and Those with Type 2 Diabetes
- Comprehensive Medical Evaluation and Assessment of Comorbidities: Standards of Care in Diabetes—2026 - PMC
- Testosterone treatment to prevent or revert type 2 diabetes in men enrolled in a lifestyle programme (T4DM): a randomised, double-blind, placebo-controlled, 2-year, phase 3b trial - PubMed
- Adult Male Hypogonadism: A Review - PubMed
- 4. Comprehensive Medical Evaluation and Assessment of Comorbidities: Standards of Care in Diabetes—2026 - PMC
- Testosterone treatment to prevent or revert type 2 diabetes in men enrolled in a lifestyle programme (T4DM): a randomised, double-blind, placebo-controlled, 2-year, phase 3b trial - PubMed
- Adult Male Hypogonadism: A Review - PubMed
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