Diabetes is one of several factors that can impact a woman’s fertility. Other conditions, such as autoimmune diseases, polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS), and chronic illnesses, can also contribute to reduced fertility. Both underweight and overweight issues further complicate fertility.
Diabetes, especially Type 2, can also significantly impact male fertility.
New Delhi: Uncontrolled diabetes can significantly affect fertility in both men and women, making effective management crucial for improving the chances of a successful pregnancy. Diabetes disrupts hormonal balance, which can interfere with conception and implantation. Additionally, it negatively impacts the quality of sperm, eggs, and embryos, while also potentially causing DNA damage, leading to genetic mutations. These factors collectively hinder reproductive health.
In an interaction with News9Live, Dr. Nilesh Unmesh Balkawade, Regional Medical Head & Fertility Specialist, explained how blood sugar fluctuations can affect fertility in men and women.
Diabetes and Female Infertility
Diabetes is one of several factors that can impact a woman’s fertility. Other conditions, such as autoimmune diseases, polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS), and chronic illnesses, can also contribute to reduced fertility. Both underweight and overweight issues further complicate fertility.
There are two main types of diabetes: Type 1 and Type 2. Type 1 diabetes occurs when the body fails to produce insulin, a hormone necessary for processing sugar, leading to elevated blood sugar levels. In Type 2 diabetes, the body produces insulin but becomes resistant to it, requiring higher levels to process sugar, which also results in high levels of blood sugar.
To improve the chances of conception, women must maintain normal blood sugar levels. Gestational diabetes which develops during pregnancy, can also affect fertility but usually resolves after delivery. However, women with gestational diabetes are at a higher risk of developing Type 2 diabetes later in life and may experience gestational diabetes in future pregnancies.
While many women with diabetes can conceive, it can make pregnancy more challenging. Doctors often recommend extra precautions to minimize the risk of complications. High blood sugar during the early stages of pregnancy increases the risk of congenital anomalies, early miscarriages, or missed abortions. In the later stages, it can lead to intrauterine growth retardation (low birth weight) or sudden intrauterine death.
Women with diabetes may also experience a reduced chance of implantation due to poor-quality eggs or decreased blood flow to the uterus. In some cases, the condition can lead to miscarriage even before a woman realizes she is pregnant. Furthermore, diabetes-related complications can make it more difficult to carry a pregnancy to full term.
Diabetes and Male Infertility
Diabetes, especially Type 2, can also significantly impact male fertility. Men are more frequently affected than women, and one of the major issues is erectile dysfunction, which is often linked to infertility. Diabetes can lead to various fertility issues in men, including reduced sperm quality, erectile and ejaculatory dysfunctions, and malformed or abnormal sperm. Additionally, men with diabetes may experience retrograde ejaculation, where sperm travels into the bladder rather than being ejaculated.
Studies have shown that non-diabetic men typically have 25% more sperm than their diabetic counterparts. Furthermore, diabetes increases the risk of DNA damage in sperm, which can lead to poor-quality embryos and hinder successful conception. Research also indicates that DNA damage in sperm can increase the risk of miscarriage and birth defects in the offspring.
Overcoming Infertility with Diabetes
Despite the challenges posed by diabetes, assisted reproductive technologies (ART) like in-vitro fertilization (IVF) can offer a viable solution for couples struggling with fertility. A fertility specialist will customise the treatment plan based on each couple’s specific needs.
Experts emphasise that pregnancy is achievable with well-managed diabetes and a healthy weight. Both partners should seek guidance from a reputed IVF center to receive the appropriate advice and medical care. In cases of male infertility, sperm retrieval techniques such as TESA (Testicular Sperm Aspiration) or micro-TESE (micro-epididymal sperm extraction) may be recommended. For female infertility, treatments like assisted laser hatching, IVF, or intrauterine insemination (IUI) might be advised, depending on the specific diagnosis.
Intracytoplasmic sperm injection (ICSI) is another option that can benefit both male and female infertility. It can help men even in cases of low sperm count, poor sperm motility, or abnormal sperm morphology. For women with a reduced follicle count, ICSI can also improve the chances of successful fertilisation. While ART can help overcome infertility, success depends on both partners adopting key lifestyle practices, such as eating a balanced diet, engaging in regular exercise, maintaining a healthy weight, and managing stress effectively. These changes can improve overall reproductive health and increase the chances of a successful pregnancy. With proper management and treatment, couples facing infertility due to diabetes can still achieve their dreams of becoming parents.
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