Effect of Androgen Deprivation Therapy on Indices of Glycaemia and Insulin Resistance in Native African Prostate Cancer Patients

Background: Hyperglycemia and insulin resistance have been associated with androgen deprivation therapy (ADT) in Caucasian populations. It is therefore relevant to determine this also holds true in a native African population. Methods and Findings: The design of the study was cross sectional, 153 prostate cancer patients and 80 controls were recruited. Prostate specific antigen (PSA), insulin and glucose were determined using ELISA and colorimetric methods. Homeostasis assessment model for insulin resistance (HOMA IR) and HOMA2 IR were calculated. The prostate cancer patients were sub-grouped into treatment-naive prostate cancer cases and those on androgen deprivation therapy. Statistical analysis was carried out using Analysis of variance and least significant difference, p 0.05) in the mean insulin, glucose, HOMA IR and HOMA2 IR among the treatment-naive prostate cancer patients and prostate cancer patients on treatment and controls. In addition, there were no significant variations (p>0.05) in these parameters among patients treated with different types and durations of ADT. There was no significant correlation (p>0.05) between PSA and insulin, glucose, HOMA IR and groups HOMA2 IR in any of the groups. Conclusion: Androgen deprivation therapy does not result in elevated blood glucose, insulin and insulin resistance in native African men.