THE EXCRETION OF ANDROGENS IN HUMAN DIABETES MELLITUS

Abstract

Urinary 17-ketosteroid and androgen (Cock-comb method) were found to be less than normal in 71 male and 73 female diabetic patients. The deviation was greatest in the sexually mature group; children and aged patients excreted normal amts. of androgens. After testosterone injn. (100 mg.) in 3 diabetics not treated with insulin, the 17-ketosteroid excretion increase was equivalent to 22-28% of the injected testosterone; in 3 insulin-treated diabetics the increase was 37-59%. Testosterone did not alter carbohydrate metabolism. The reduced urinary androgens are a reflection of increased hormone destruction as a result of altered fat metabolism in diabetes.