The relationship between testosterone and diabetes is an important issue, given the fact that diabetes is becoming a fast-growing epidemic, the morbidity associated with which is more disabling than the disease itself. Various studies have demonstrated the increasing prevalence of hypogonadism in diabetic subjects, but whether this is a cause or effect is still an area of active research. The past couple of decades have witnessed an increasing rate of testosterone prescriptions, even though the relationship between testosterone therapy and cardiovascular effects is still not conclusive. The studies done in this regard have shown conflicting results, and there is still a dearth of long-term, follow-up studies in this field. This paper reviews in brief the postulated mechanisms, observational studies, and interventional data regarding the adverse effects of testosterone therapy in type 2 diabetes mellitus, stressing the cardiovascular risks.

Infectious diseases of the central nervous system (CNS) are increasingly being recognized as important causes of hypopituitarism. Although tuberculosis is the most common agent involved, non-mycobacterial agents like viruses, bacteria, fungus, and protozoa are important causes in our country. Involvement post infections could be due to a strategically located tuberculoma, or pituitary abscess, or meningoencephalitis. Although it might not be reasonable to screen all patients with CNS infections for hypopituitarism, awareness of the possibility and clinical follow-up for suggestive symptoms is required.

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Authors describe a case of oncogenic osteomalacia in a 35-year-old man, who presented with a 2-year history of generalized pain and progressive weakness of lower limbs, eventually became bedbound. At admission, he had severe hip pain resulting from bilateral femoral neck fractures. Laboratory investigations revealed hypophosphatemia, hyperphosphaturia, normocalcemia, elevated alkaline phosphatase and normal serum levels of parathormone and 25-hydroxyvitamin D. Serum fibroblast growth factor 23 (FGF23) level was elevated. A radiographic skeletal survey showed osteoporosis and insufficiency fractures of the femoral neck. A whole-body functional imaging failed to reveal any areas of increased activity. However, on computed tomography and magnetic resonance imaging of the head and neck region, a tumor was discovered at left nasal cavity. The tumor was surgically removed. After surgery, his symptoms were relieved and biochemical parameters normalized. We stress that careful clinical examination including nose and paranasal sinuses may be rewarding in cases with hypophosphatemic osteomalacia.

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