Glucose Regulation and Prostate Volume in Older Chinese Men with BPH
Overview
This retrospective study of 659 Chinese men with benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH) undergoing surgery found that glucose regulation status, including normoglycemia, prediabetes, and diabetes, is associated with differences in prostate volume. The study also examined the influence of age and body mass index on prostate size and growth rates.
Background
Benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH) is a common condition in middle-aged and elderly men characterized by nonmalignant proliferation of prostate cells, often leading to lower urinary tract symptoms (LUTS). Metabolic diseases such as diabetes and obesity have been implicated in BPH progression and increased prostate volume. Prediabetes, a precursor to diabetes, is prevalent but understudied in relation to prostate size. Aging is another key factor influencing prostate growth, with evidence suggesting different growth rates before and after age 70. This study aimed to clarify the associations between glucose homeostasis, age, and prostate volume in BPH patients.
Data Highlights
Parameter
Normoglycemic
Prediabetic
Diabetic
Number of patients
Not specified
Not specified
Not specified
Prostate Volume (TPV)
Measured by transrectal ultrasound
Measured by transrectal ultrasound
Measured by transrectal ultrasound
Transitional Zone Volume (TZV)
Measured
Measured
Measured
Annual TPV Growth Rate
Calculated as (TPV−20)/(age−40)
Calculated similarly
Calculated similarly
Annual TZV Growth Rate
Calculated as TZV/(age−40)
Calculated similarly
Calculated similarly
BMI Groups
Normal & Abnormal defined by BMI <24 or ≥24 kg/m2
Same
Same
Key Findings
Prostate volume increases with worsening glucose regulation status from normoglycemia to prediabetes and diabetes.
Prediabetes, although a precursor to diabetes, is associated with increased prostate size, suggesting early metabolic influence on prostate growth.
Age is positively correlated with prostate volume, with faster growth rates observed before age 70 compared to after.
Body mass index (BMI) influences prostate size, with overweight and obese men showing larger prostate volumes.
The study excluded confounding factors such as prior prostate surgery, malignancies, and hormone treatments to isolate the effects of glucose status and age.
Clinical Implications
Clinicians should consider glucose regulation status, including prediabetes, as a factor influencing prostate enlargement in men with BPH. Early identification and management of impaired glucose metabolism may help in understanding and potentially mitigating prostate growth. Additionally, age and BMI remain important considerations in evaluating prostate size and progression of BPH.
Conclusion
This study highlights a significant association between glucose homeostasis and prostate volume in older Chinese men with BPH, emphasizing the role of metabolic factors alongside aging in prostate enlargement. Prediabetes emerges as an important, previously underrecognized factor in prostate growth.
References
American Diabetes Association 2018 -- Classification and Diagnosis of Diabetes
