The role of androgens in metabolism, obesity, and diabetes in males and females

Objective: In men, androgen deprivation contributes to the development of metabolic syndrome and type 2 diabetes (T2D). In women, androgen excess predisposes to insulin resistance and T2D. There is a bidirectional modulation of glucose homeostasis by androgens in males and females that is analyzed in this review.

Methods: We reviewed the literature in both rodents and humans on the role of androgens and the androgen receptor (AR) in the control of glucose and energy metabolism in health, obesity, and T2D.

Results: Sex-specific activation of AR in the hypothalamus, skeletal muscle, liver, adipose tissue, and pancreatic islet β-cells accounts for maintenance or disruption in energy metabolism and glucose homeostasis.

Conclusions: We argue that AR is a target to prevent androgen-related metabolic disorders.