Keith Spice is taking part in a world-first study to improve |diabetes prevention in older men.
Camera IconKeith Spice is taking part in a world-first study to improve |diabetes prevention in older men. Credit: Supplied/Jon Hewson

Trial driving healthy lifestyle change

Staff ReporterMandurah Coastal Times

Doctors have told the 62-year-old for years that he is at risk of developing Type 2 diabetes.

One outcome of the $4.8 million study could be improved prevention of diabetes in middle-aged and older men.

It will look at the potential benefits of treating men with testosterone supplements in combination with a dedicated weight-loss program.

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Mr Spice, a retired broadcast television executive, said he was excited to be involved in the study and was using it as motivation to make a permanent lifestyle change.

‘I’ve been basically bordering on pre-diabetic for a few years now,’ he said.

‘This study is a great incentive to get myself out of that state, make some real changes to the way I live and help others in the process.’

With the support of his wife Anne and three adult children, the keen angler and target-shooter is aiming to lose more than 30kg.

‘The weight loss and better health will definitely make everything I do and plan to do in life more enjoyable,’ he said.

Fremantle Hospital is one of six study centres Australia-wide.

Its research team is led by Professor Bu Yeap and plays a key role in the study.

‘This will be the largest testosterone trial ever performed and will answer the question of whether testosterone can prevent diabetes in men at high risk of the disease,’ Professor Yeap said.

Prof Yeap said he hoped the study would be a life-changing event for many Australian men.

‘Keith is a great example of someone at high risk of developing Type 2 diabetes, who is ready to take an important step toward improving his own health,’ he said.

Get involved by visiting t4dm.org.au.