How Diabetes Affects Fertility in Men and Women: Diet & Lifestyle Tips for Aspiring Parents

Diet & Lifestyle Tips for Aspiring Parents: Diabetes is a chronic condition that affects many parts of the body including reproductive health. Diabetes affects fertility in both men and women in different ways.

Diabetes can impact fertility by compromising reproductive health in both males and females. The primary factor behind the failure or delay of implantation and pregnancy is the hormonal disruption caused o by diabetes.

In an interview with HT Lifestyle, Dr Monica Kumbhat of Neuberg Diagnostics, shared, “In women, diabetes, especially Type 2, can lead to hormonal imbalances that impact ovulation and menstrual regularity, making conception more challenging. Insulin resistance associated with diabetes can increase androgen levels, which may disrupt reproductive hormones. In men, diabetes can lower testosterone, contribute to erectile dysfunction, and reduce sperm quality, impacting the chances of successful conception.”

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Diabetes and female fertility

Hormonal Imbalance and Menstrual Irregularities: Diabetes (Type 1 and Type 2) can disrupt hormonal balance which can cause irregular periods or even absent periods.

Higher risk of Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome (PCOS): Women with Type 2 diabetes are more likely to develop PCOS, a condition characterized by irregular ovulation, high androgen levels and insulin resistance.

Higher risk of Miscarriage and Complications: Women with uncontrolled diabetes are more likely to have miscarriage, preterm labor and birth complications.

Diabetes and male fertility

Lower Testosterone and Erectile Dysfunction: Diabetes is associated with lower testosterone levels in men which can lead to erectile dysfunction (ED).

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Sperm Quality Issues: High blood sugar causes oxidative stress which can damage sperm DNA. This can affect chances of fertilization and increase risk of genetic anomalies in offspring.

Retrograde Ejaculation: Neuropathy (nerve damage caused by high blood sugar) can cause retrograde ejaculation where semen enters the bladder instead of coming out through the urethra.

Certain lifestyle changes can improve your chances of having a healthy and successful Lifestyle.

Maintaining a Balanced Diet

Controlling blood sugar levels is essential for improving diabetes and fertility. High blood sugar can disrupt ovulation cycles in women and reduce sperm count and quality in men.

Staying Active

Maintaining a healthy weight is crucial for diabetes management. Engaging in thirty minutes of physical activity at least five days a week can help with weight loss and improve blood circulation.

Managing Stress

Stress is a normal part of life, particularly for couples trying to conceive. For those with diabetes, high levels of cortisol, the stress hormone, can lead to increased blood sugar levels and disrupt blood sugar management.

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