Manage diabetes or face risks to hormones and egg quality, warns IVF specialist

Diabetes affects fertility in subtle but significant ways, touching hormones, sperm, eggs, and overall reproductive function (Image: Pexels)

Diabetes can interfere with fertility in both men and women. From hormonal imbalances to impaired sperm quality and ovulation issues, the disease can make conceiving challenging.

Diabetes mellitus is a global health concern that doesn’t spare reproductive health, Dr Amol Lunkad, Chief Fertility and IVF Specialist, Pune, Indira IVF Hospital Limited, tells Moneycontrol. “Men and women alike can face fertility challenges if blood sugar levels are uncontrolled.”

For men, high blood sugar damages cells responsible for producing sperm. “Oxidative stress and metabolic disturbances caused by diabetes can result in low testosterone, reduced libido, erectile dysfunction, and even premature ejaculation,” says Dr Lunkad.

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Studies show these factors, combined with impaired hormonal signalling in the brain, reduce sperm quality and quantity, making conception more difficult.

Women too aren’t immune. “Diabetes disrupts hormonal balance, often causing irregular periods, ovulation problems, and poor egg quality. Insulin resistance can worsen conditions like polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS), further hampering fertility," Dr Lunkad says, adding, “Women undergoing fertility treatments must manage blood sugar meticulously to improve outcomes and minimise pregnancy risks.”

How to manage diabetes for fertility

Dr Lunkad shares steps to manage diabetes for fertility. He recommends careful planning and medical supervision for anyone with diabetes trying to conceive.

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• Maintain optimal glycemic control: Target HbA1c around 6.5–7% before conception to reduce risks.
• Preconception care: Take folate supplements and stop medications harmful in pregnancy, like ACE inhibitors or statins.
• Gradual blood sugar lowering: Avoid sudden changes that could complicate pregnancy, especially in women.
• Family planning and contraception: Use reliable methods until metabolic health is stabilised and conception is safe.
• Specialised fertility monitoring: Regular check-ups and adjustments during fertility treatments improve chances and safeguard maternal health.

FAQs on Diabetes and Fertility

1. How does diabetes affect fertility in men?

Diabetes can impair fertility in men by damaging the cells that produce sperm. High blood sugar levels can lead to oxidative stress, reduced testosterone, low libido, erectile dysfunction, and premature ejaculation, all of which impact sperm quality and quantity.

2. How does diabetes affect fertility in women?

In women, diabetes disrupts hormonal balance, leading to irregular periods, ovulation issues, and poor egg quality. Insulin resistance can exacerbate conditions like PCOS, further affecting fertility. Managing blood sugar levels is crucial for improving fertility outcomes.

3. Can diabetes be managed to improve fertility?

Yes, diabetes can be managed to improve fertility. Maintaining optimal glycemic control, preconception care, gradual blood sugar lowering, and specialised fertility monitoring are essential steps. Consult a healthcare provider for a tailored plan to enhance reproductive health.

4. What are the recommendations for managing diabetes before conception?

Before conception, aim for an HbA1c level of 6.5–7%. Take folate supplements, stop medications harmful during pregnancy, and avoid sudden blood sugar changes. Reliable contraception should be used until metabolic health is stabilised and conception is deemed safe.

5. Are fertility treatments effective for people with diabetes?

Fertility treatments can be effective for people with diabetes if blood sugar levels are well-managed. Regular check-ups and adjustments during treatments can improve chances of conception and ensure maternal health, giving couples the best chance for a healthy pregnancy.

Disclaimer: This article, including health and fitness advice, only provides generic information. Don’t treat it as a substitute for qualified medical opinion. Always consult a specialist for specific health diagnosis.