Tips to handle diabetes to forestall fertility issues in women and men

Nov 23, 2023 at 6:47 PM
Tips to handle diabetes to forestall fertility issues in women and men

Uncontrolled diabetes can negatively influence fertility for each women and men therefore, it’s essential to handle diabetes successfully with a view to enhance the probabilities of a profitable pregnancy because the influence of diabetes on fertility encompasses detrimental results on reproductive health for each women and men. The disruption of hormones because of diabetes is primarily answerable for hindering profitable implantation and being pregnant achievement as diabetes compromises the standard of sperm, eggs and embryos whereas additionally inflicting injury to DNA construction, in the end resulting in genetic mutations and deletions.

Tips to manage diabetes to prevent fertility complications in men and women (Photo by RDNE Stock project on Pexels)
Tips to handle diabetes to forestall fertility issues in women and men (Photo by RDNE Stock undertaking on Pexels)

The influence of diabetes on feminine fertility

In an interview with HT Lifestyle, Dr Aarti Rapol, Consultant IVF and Fertility Specialist at Ankura Hospitals in Pune, defined, “Among the various factors influencing a woman’s ability to conceive, diabetes stands out as a significant contributor. Diabetes is in the form of Type 1 and Type 2. If one has Type 1 diabetes, the body fails to produce sufficient insulin for sugar metabolism, resulting in elevated blood sugar levels. Those with Type 2 diabetes produce normal amounts of insulin but experience resistance to its effects; therefore requiring higher insulin levels for sugar metabolism purposes. Additionally, gestational diabetes mellitus refers to a temporary form of diabetes that develops during pregnancy but typically resolves after childbirth.”

She elaborated, “Pregnant women with high blood sugar in the early stages are at a significantly higher risk of experiencing complications and difficulties, including congenital anomalies and miscarriages. In later stages of pregnancy, elevated blood sugar levels can lead to low birth weight and even sudden intrauterine death. Additionally, women with gestational diabetes have an increased likelihood of developing diabetes later in life and are at a higher risk of developing diabetes in subsequent pregnancies. They also face double the risk of acquiring hypertension in late pregnancy.”

The influence of diabetes on male fertility

Dr Aarti Rapol shared, “Men who have diabetes may face difficulties in conceiving a child. Diabetes can impact male fertility in various ways, such as reducing sperm quality, causing erectile and ejaculatory dysfunction, and resulting in abnormal sperm.”

How can diabetes be successfully managed to forestall fertility issues?

Dr Aarti Rapol answered, “Taking charge of diabetes involves effectively controlling blood sugar levels, which can be achieved through consistent monitoring. Maintaining a nutritious diet, quitting smoking, staying stress-free, and engaging in regular physical activity are crucial factors. If you need any more help, consulting an expert for appropriate medication options and access to relevant information is highly recommended.”

This is how infertility and diabetes are tackled collectively

Dr Aarti Rapol instructed, “If you are struggling to conceive due to diabetes, in-vitro fertilization (IVF) may be a viable option. IVF specialists will guide you through the appropriate treatment plan. For female infertility, in-vitro fertilization, or intrauterine insemination can be performed based on diagnosis. Intracytoplasmic sperm injection (ICSI) is beneficial for both male infertility with low sperm count, motility, or morphology, as well as female infertility with a decreased number of eggs.”