Anabolic androgenic steroid use and risk of diabetes mellitus in males
Authors' conclusion
In this population-based cohort study, AAS use was not associated with an increased risk of DM. These findings provide observational data that may contribute to the understanding of the potential metabolic effects of AAS exposure during long-term follow-up. However, confounding from lifestyle factors such as exercise and diet, as well as body mass index, cannot be excluded.
Study context
- Population
- Danish males sanctioned for anabolic androgenic steroid use 2006–2018 and matched controls, followed in national health registers until diabetes mellitus (DM), death, emigration or 20231,189 AAS users, 50 controls each
- Exposure
- Males sanctioned for AAS use vs age-matched male controls from the general population
- AAS usersn = 1,189
- Outcome
- Incident DM (hospital diagnoses or redeemed prescriptions for glucose-lowering medications)
- Follow-up
- Until 2023
Methodological detailspopulation-based, age-matched controls (1:50), register-based
- Population-based
- Age-matched controls (1:50)
- Register-based
Main finding
As reported in the abstract
Incident DM · during follow-up
AAS users vs ControlsIncidence rate ratio (95% CI)
Unadjusted
0.84(0.56–1.26)
Socio-demographic adjustment
0.70(0.46–1.07)
Observational data: associations, not effects.
Further findings
DM risk, sensitivity analysis with GLP-1 RA use as sole indicator not counted as DM
- AAS use significantly associated with reduced DM risk, adjusted IRR
- 0.42 (95% CI 0.23-0.78)
- Sensitivity analysis
Original publication
Anabolic androgenic steroid use and risk of diabetes mellitus in males. Diabetes Obes Metab. Published 10 November 2025. doi:10.
Composed by AI from the published abstract and checked against it. How Briefs are made →