OBJECTIVE -The aim of our study was to assess the prevalence of clinical hypogonadism, based on both symptoms and biochemical available measures of testosterone deficiency, in men with type 2 diabetes.RESEARCH DESIGN AND METHODS -In a cross-sectional study of 355 type 2 diabetic men aged Ͼ30 years, total and bioavailable testosterone, sex hormone-binding globulin, BMI, and waist circumference were measured and free testosterone was calculated. Overt hypogonadism was defined as the presence of clinical symptoms of hypogonadism and low testosterone level (total testosterone Ͻ8 nmol/l and/or bioavailable testosterone Ͻ2.5 nmol/l). Borderline hypogonadism was defined as the presence of symptoms and total testosterone of 8 -12 nmol/l or bioavailable testosterone of 2.5-4 nmol/l. RESULTS -A low blood testosterone level was common in diabetic men, and a significant proportion of these men had symptoms of hypogonadism. Overt hypogonadism was seen in 17% of men with total testosterone Ͻ8 nmol/l and 14% with bioavailable testosterone Ͻ2.5 nmol/l. Borderline hypogonadism was found in 25% of men with total testosterone 8 -12 nmol/l and bioavailable testosterone between 2.5 and 4 nmol/l; 42% of the men had free testosterone Ͻ0.255 nmol/l. BMI and waist circumference were both significantly negatively correlated with testosterone levels in men, with the association being stronger for waist circumference.CONCLUSIONS -Testosterone levels are frequently low in men with type 2 diabetes, and the majority of these men have symptoms of hypogonadism. Obesity is associated with low testosterone levels in diabetic men. Diabetes Care 30:911-917, 2007

BackgroundOver 250 000 people in the UK are affected with inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) and approximately 10 000 new cases are diagnosed every year. These chronic bowel conditions have been shown to affect both work and recreational activity. In the general population, regular exercise has numerous benefits to health and well-being and there are additional benefits for those with IBD. However, people with IBD face significant challenges in trying to take regular exercise.ObjectiveWith the renewed focus on sport brought about by the recent London Olympics, Crohn's and Colitis UK surveyed its members to explore their sport and fitness habits.Methods918 members participated in the survey, which is the largest survey of its kind, investigating the exercise habits of people with IBD.ResultsThe survey showed widespread uptake of exercise in those with IBD, with a large number feeling better for it. However, it also identified a considerable number of respondents who reported a significant negative impact of IBD on their ability to take up, enjoy and derive benefit from sporting activities.ConclusionAsking questions about sporting leisure activity in clinical consultations may identify those in need of help and support and possibly identify factors to be dealt with, in order to enable them to take part in these beneficial activities.

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