Abstract
INTRODUCTION: Prediabetes is associated with sexual health complications, including erectile dysfunction (ED) and hypogonadism. This study aimed to evaluate the prevalence of low testosterone, hypogonadism, and ED in men with prediabetes. It also explored the correlation of hypogonadism with indices of metabolic syndrome (MetS). METHODS: This cross-sectional investigation was undertaken at a public teaching institution in northern India. It sampled 103 males with prediabetes and 103 euglycemic controls aged between 18 and 50 years. The participants were assessed using the qADAM questionnaire, the IIEF-5 scale, and total testosterone levels. Analyses were conducted using standard statistical tests. RESULTS: The mean age of participants in the prediabetes and euglycemic groups was comparable (35.28 ± 8.22 vs. 35.53 ± 8.69 years; P = 0.831). However, individuals with prediabetes exhibited significantly higher fasting blood glucose levels (100.57 mg/dL vs. 89.38 mg/dL; P = 0.001) and HbA1c values (6.02% vs. 5.13%; P = 0.001), along with a higher prevalence of MetS (32.0% vs. 13.6%; P = 0.002). Moreover, ED and hypogonadism were frequent among men with prediabetes compared with their normoglycemic counterparts (72.8% vs. 51.5%; P = 0.002 and 38.8% vs. 25.2%; P = 0.032, respectively). Additionally, 53.4% patients with prediabetes had low testosterone levels. (177.11 ± 150.62 ng/dl). Normogonadotropic hypogonadism was the most prevalent subtype. CONCLUSION: There is a substantial burden of hypogonadism and ED among young males with prediabetes, underscoring the importance of early detection and timely intervention to mitigate adverse outcomes.