A study led by Johns Hopkins University explores whether sex hormones explain why men and women with type 2 diabetes face different risks of heart disease. To investigate this, researchers looked at blood samples from a previous study called "Look Ahead." They analyzed samples taken at the start of the study and one year later to track how hormone levels changed and how those changes related to future heart problems.

The results showed a clear pattern for men: those with higher starting levels of testosterone had a lower risk of heart disease. Conversely, men whose levels of estradiol (a form of estrogen) rose after one year faced a higher risk. In women, the researchers found no clear link between hormone levels and heart disease.

Lead researcher Wendy Bennett noted that these findings could help doctors tailor prevention plans to individual patients. Moving forward, the team plans to study how weight loss affects hormone levels, as well as how these changes impact bone health, fractures, and the natural drop in hormones during menopause.