What is the Effect of Diabetes on Fertility?

Diabetes and Fertility: What’s the connection?

Diabetes is when our bodies end up not producing enough insulin, or end up not using it properly.

It’s either when the cells in the pancreas go “I’m having trouble making insulin” or when the cells in our body end up being insulin resistant.😩

This ends up affecting the balance of blood sugar levels in our body.

But is that all?

In fact, there’s a connection with our reproductive health too.

Both men and women with diabetes may encounter challenges when trying to conceive.

Understanding how diabetes impacts fertility can help you manage it, and make your TTC journey a tad easier.

In this comprehensive guide, we'll delve into the intricate relationship between diabetes and fertility, providing insights backed by statistics and references.

Read on!

How Diabetes affects Female Fertility

1. Hormonal Imbalance: Diabetes can disrupt hormonal balance in women, leading to irregular menstrual cycles and ovulatory dysfunction. According to a study published in the Indian Journal of Endocrinology and Metabolism, approximately 30% of women with diabetes experience menstrual irregularities, contributing to infertility concerns.

2. Menstrual Irregularities: Research suggests that uncontrolled diabetes is associated with menstrual irregularities, including oligomenorrhea (infrequent menstruation) and anovulation, which can impede conception.

3. Gestational Diabetes: Gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM) affects approximately 5-10% of pregnancies in India, posing risks to maternal and fetal health. Women with a history of GDM may have a higher likelihood of developing infertility or experiencing pregnancy complications in subsequent pregnancies.

How Diabetes affects Male Fertility

1. Sperm Quality and Function: Diabetes can impair sperm quality and function in men, leading to decreased sperm count, motility, and morphology. A study conducted in India found a significant association between diabetes and abnormalities in sperm parameters, highlighting the impact of diabetes on male fertility.

2. Erectile Dysfunction: Erectile dysfunction (ED) is a common complication of diabetes in Indian men, affecting sexual performance and fertility. Research indicates that men with diabetes often experience ED, which may contribute to difficulties in achieving conception.

How do I Manage Diabetes-Related Infertility?

Diabetes can be more of a hurdle, than a roadblock to parenthood. The first step, is being proactive with an approach that aims to control your diabetes and adopt healthy lifestyle choices, which can then help when you’re trying to conceive.

1. Blood Sugar Control: Optimal blood sugar control is paramount for managing diabetes-related infertility. Lifestyle modifications, dietary changes, and medication adherence can help stabilize blood glucose levels, improve hormonal balance, and enhance fertility outcomes.

2. Healthy Lifestyle Choices: Adopting a healthy lifestyle, including regular exercise, balanced nutrition, and stress management, can support reproductive health in individuals with diabetes. Consuming a diet rich in fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and lean proteins can provide essential nutrients and promote overall well-being.

3. Fertility Evaluation and Treatment: Seeking timely fertility evaluation and treatment is essential for couples struggling with diabetes-related infertility. In India, specialized fertility clinics offer a range of services, including ovulation induction, intrauterine insemination (IUI), and in vitro fertilization (IVF), tailored to meet the unique needs of patients with diabetes.

How Arva can help with diabetes related infertility

While diabetes can present challenges on the path to parenthood, it doesn't have to be a barrier.

By prioritising blood sugar control, adopting a healthy lifestyle, and seeking appropriate medical intervention, you can increase your chances of a successful pregnancy.

Arva's at-home fertility test can be your starting point, as it measures HbA1c, offering valuable insights into your hormonal health and blood sugar control.

You also get access to top doctors pan India, to help understand and manage your situation better.

With proactive management and the right support system, you can turn your dream of a family into reality.

You’ve got this💪🏻