Abstract
Sex hormone binding globulin (SHBG) is demonstrated to be decreased in subjects with
metabolic syndrome (MetS). The aim of the present study was to investigate the association
of SHBG in relation to MetS components among men with type 2 diabetes (T2D). This
cross-sectional study was carried out among 429 Saudi T2D male patients aged >30 years.
Metabolic syndrome was defined using International Diabetes Federation (IDF) criteria.
Fasting blood glucose (FBG), HbA1c, albumin, and lipid parameter were measured. Gonadal
hormones, namely total testosterone, luteinizing hormone (LH), follicle-stimulating
hormone (FSH), and SHBG were determined using ELISA. The SHBG levels of the MetS group
was significantly lower than non-MetS group 47.25±31.03 nmol/l vs. 56.55±37.84 nmol/l;
p=0.013. As the MetS score increases, SHBG and HDL levels decrease while weight, BMI,
waist circumference, SBP, DBP, FBG, HbA1c, TC, and TG levels increase. SHBG correlated
with age, BMI, TG, HDL, TT, free testosterone, and bio-available testosterone. This
is the first study that provides detailed analyses of SHBG with MetS components in
male diabetic subjects. The mean serum SHBG levels gradually declined with the addition
of MetS components in T2D men. TT, free testosterone, and bio-available testosterone
remained independently associated with SHBG by multivariable regression analysis.
Key words
sex hormone binding globulin - type 2 diabetes - metabolic syndrome - total testosterone