Effect of L-Arginine Supplementation on Sexual Function and Hypogonadism in Men with Type 2 Diabetes

Document Type : Original Article(s)

Authors

1 Medical Student, School of Medicine, Arak University of Medical Sciences, Arak, Iran

2 Assistant Professor, Department of Social Medicine, School of Medicine, Arak University of Medical Sciences, Arak, Iran

3 Assistant Professor, Department of Urology, School of Medicine, Arak University of Medical Sciences, Arak, Iran

4 Associate Professor, Department of Social Medicine, School of Medicine, Isfahan University of Medical Sciences, Isfahan, Iran

Abstract

Background: A negative correlation has been seen between serum testosterone levels and glycosylated hemoglobin. L-arginine reduces serum glucose and cholesterol levels in diabetes. Therefore, this study aimed to determine the effect of L-arginine on sexual function and hypogonadism.
Methods: In this clinical trial study, 50 men with type 2 diabetes and symptoms of hypogonadism were randomly divided into two groups. Demographic and laboratory information and International Erectile Dysfunction Questionnaire 5 (IIEF5) were completed in both groups. Then, the first group received an oral L-arginine 3 gram single dose per day for 8 weeks, and the second group received a placebo vial for 8 weeks. We compared the primary outcomes, including total and free testosterone plasma levels, as well as secondary outcomes, such as Sexual function and symptoms of hypogonadism between the two groups.
Findings: In the L-arginine group, after 8 weeks of intervention, sexual performance (36.43 ± 3.84 to 28.44 ± 11.4, P = 0.001) and free testosterone plasma level (19.16 ± 0.07 to 22.21 ± 1.25, P = 0.001) (79.6 ± 35.2 to 78.8 ± 11.3, P = 0.031) significantly increased While there were no significant changes in the placebo group (P ≥ 0.05). side effects (P ≥ 0.05). did not show significant differences between the two groups.
Conclusion: Oral L-arginine is effective on sexual performance and symptoms of hypogonadism in type 2 diabetic men. Therefore, L-arginine can be a suitable alternative to testosterone in the treatment of hypogonadism in men with type 2 diabetes.

Highlights

Mohammad Reza Naderi: Google Scholar, PubMed

Davood Goodarzi: Google Scholar, PubMed

Bahman Sadeghi Sedeh: Google Scholar, PubMed

Keywords

Main Subjects

References

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Journal of Isfahan Medical School
Volume 42, Issue 780
4th Week, October
September and October 2024
Pages 718-725

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History

  • Receive Date: 26 November 2023
  • Accept Date: 24 August 2024

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