Millions of people worldwide suffer from diabetes. It is a lifelong condition that impairs the sugar balance in your body. Diabetes and infertility are closely linked, as many individuals find it difficult to conceive as a result of this condition. There are mainly 3 types of diabetes, let’s check them out:
Type 1 Diabetes- This type of diabetes is caused by an autoimmune condition. In this condition, the body targets the cells that make insulin, which in the long term means daily injections of the hormone.
Type 2 Diabetes– It is the most prevalent kind. Insulin resistance, which is commonly linked to variables like obesity, is generally linked to type 2 diabetes. Insulin may be necessary in certain cases, even if type 2 diabetes can be managed with diet, exercise, and medicine.
Gestational Diabetes- It is a type of diabetes that especially develops during pregnancy due to hormonal changes and weight gain. In most cases, this disappears post-delivery, but it leaves them with an increased risk of developing type 2 diabetes in the future.
Diabetes and Infertility in Males: How Does It Impact?
One of the most common questions men with diabetes ask is, “Does diabetes cause infertility in males? The answer is yes. Let’s check how it impacts men:
Erectile Dysfunction (ED):
Diabetes can decrease blood supply to the penis by damaging blood vessels and nerves. This makes it more difficult to get or keep an erection, which makes natural conception more challenging.
Decreased Sperm Quality:
Many ask, “Does diabetes affect sperm?” The simple answer is yes. Oxidative stress increases due to high blood sugar and can damage sperm DNA. This reduces fertilisation chances by causing abnormal sperm shape, also called morphologies and decreased sperm motility (movement).
Low Levels of Testosterone:
Diabetes can reduce the male hormone known as testosterone. It can interfere with the testes’ ability to produce hormones. This can lead to low sperm production, decreased libido, and eventually infertility.
Retrograde Ejaculation:
This simply means backward ejaculation. Diabetes can affect the bladder through nerve neuropathy. It means that sperm cannot reach the egg because semen runs backward into the bladder rather than out as ejaculation.
Increased Risk of Genetic Damage:
If an individual is suffering from long-term diabetes, then it can compromise the integrity of sperm DNA. This raises the risk of transferring the genetic abnormalities to the baby. In some cases, women also face miscarriage.
Diabetes and Infertility in Females:
Irregular Ovulation:
Diabetes can disrupt hormone balance, especially insulin and reproductive hormones like FSH and LH. This is the reason why many women with diabetes face issues like irregular or absent ovulation. It further lowers fertility chances.
Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS):
Women who have type 2 diabetes are more likely to have insulin resistance. This is linked to PCOS, which is one of the major reasons for female infertility. They face irregular periods, cysts in the ovaries, and hormonal imbalance.
Menstrual Cycle Irregularities:
Women can face fluctuating blood sugar levels, which can interfere with their menstrual cycle. This can result in unpredictable periods, making it harder to track ovulation.
Egg Quality Reduction:
The quality of the eggs can be reduced due to high glucose levels. This overall reduces the chances of successful fertilisation and healthy embryo development.
Increased Risk of Miscarriage:
If blood sugar is not properly managed before conception and during the first few months of pregnancy, diabetes increases the risk of miscarriage and pregnancy problems.
Health Problems with the Vagina and Pelvic Infections:
Vaginal infections, such as yeast infections, are more common in women with diabetes and can affect sperm survival and conception.
How to Prevent Diabetes Pregnancy Risks?
To safeguard the mother and unborn child, diabetes must be controlled both before and during pregnancy. Women often wonder, “Can a diabetic woman get pregnant?” Yes, with the right care and planning.
Preconception planning:
During this stage, women should consult their doctor to make sure that their blood sugar levels are under control before they start trying to conceive.
Start sugar management:
Make sure that you regularly monitor your sugar and follow a balanced diet. If your doctor has prescribed insulin or medication, be sure to follow it to a T. This reduces the risks involving birth abnormalities and miscarriage. Add foods that are high in nutrients to your diet and avoid excessive sweets.
Include exercises in your routine:
Regularly walking or going for prenatal yoga can help promote insulin sensitivity. It helps you maintain a healthy body weight. Many women are recommended to take prenatal vitamins that contain folic acid.
Treating Diabetes and Infertility in Males and Females
Diabetes and infertility are not always comorbidities. Preventive lifestyle changes and assisted reproductive technology can help manage diabetes and its effect on fertility.
- Blood Sugar Control
- Maintaining appropriate glucose levels enhances reproductive health and hormonal balance.
- Prevents ovulatory problems in women and damage to sperm DNA in men.
- Healthy Diet
- Make sure you follow a balance diet full of nutrients. Low-glycemic diet supports fertility and stabilises insulin levels.
- There are some nutrients, like folate, zinc, and antioxidants, that improve the quality of both sperm and eggs.
- Regular Exercise
- Maintaining a healthy weight can reduce inflammation. Light exercise and brisk walk can help enhance insulin sensitivity.
- It will regulate your testosterone levels and menstrual cycles.
- Medical Management
- Insulin and oral medication can help address the problems affecting fertility due to diabetes.
- Fertility specialists and endocrinologists team up for integrated care.
- Stress Management
- Avoid any stressful situations since they alter reproductive hormones and raise blood sugar.
- Yoga, meditation, and counselling are examples of mind-body techniques that are helpful.
- Assisted Reproductive Technology (ART)
Couples can overcome the obstacles presented by diabetes and infertility by adopting a proactive strategy that combines lifestyle, medical care, and cutting-edge fertility therapies.
Pregnancy in Women with Diabetes
Many ask, “Does diabetes affect pregnancy?” The answer is yes—if unmanaged, it increases miscarriage, birth defects, and delivery complications. However, with proper care, most women can have safe pregnancies.
- Uncontrolled sugar may lead to high sugar in pregnancy, such as fetal macrosomia, preeclampsia, or neonatal hypoglycemia.
- Pre-pregnancy planning and continuous glucose monitoring (CGM) reduce risks.
- Close monitoring with an obstetrician, endocrinologist, and nutritionist ensures safe outcomes.
Another common concern is “How does diabetes affect a woman sexually?” It can cause vaginal dryness, decreased libido, and recurrent infections, all of which may impact fertility.
What Should you do Before Pregnancy if you have Diabetes?
Women with type 1 or type 2 diabetes should speak with their diabetes team when they are considering becoming pregnant. Inadequate management of blood sugar levels increases the risk of fetal deformity. Therefore, before becoming pregnant, persons with diabetes should have certain tests for the following factors:
- Blood sugar level over time (HbA1c value)
- Blood pressure
- Lipid levels in the blood
- Measurements of the thyroid to rule out hypothyroidism or hyperthyroidism
Women with diabetes should get medical help as soon as possible if they become pregnant unintentionally.
Therapy Adjustments Before Pregnancy: Type 1 Diabetes
Diabetes treatment may need to be adjusted before pregnancy. Therefore, it is advised that you speak with your diabetologist about the possibility of switching to a new insulin preparation or therapy method. Women with diabetes should adjust their diet to meet their unique calorie and nutrient needs during pregnancy, just like any other pregnant woman.
Therapy Adjustments Before Pregnancy: Type 2 Diabetes
Pregnancy should be handled carefully when using any kind of medication. There is little information on the safety of several blood sugar-lowering drugs for unborn children. Medical doctors typically recommend transitioning to insulin therapy for women with type 2 diabetes. Insulin pumps or more intensive insulin therapy are used. This indicates that blood sugar levels are often highly adjustable and fine-tuned. Due to occasionally significant changes in sugar metabolism, insulin therapy must be continuously modified to meet evolving needs, particularly during pregnancy and the postpartum period. Furthermore, there are fewer adverse effects of insulin therapy compared to alternative treatments.
Insulin dose is not always simple. Furthermore, switching to insulin frequently causes uncertainty. Women with type 2 diabetes should therefore enrol in a course to acquire proper injection techniques and blood sugar measurement techniques. Additionally, patients learn how to operate an insulin pump or pen there. The health insurance company often covers the course costs.
Final Thoughts
Diabetes and infertility can affect both women and men. For men, it can lead to problems like low testosterone, erectile dysfunction, and reduced sperm quality, hence the question,” Does diabetes affect sperm?” For women, diabetes can cause thyroid issues, POI, PCOS, and irregular periods.
In cases where a woman with diabetes becomes pregnant, keeping blood sugar levels in check is essential to prevent complications, like miscarriage or preterm birth. So, can a diabetic woman get pregnant? Absolutely, there are procedures like IVF, surrogacy, or donor eggs to help you with the same. Remember, pregnancy with diabetes requires strict monitoring, but healthy outcomes are possible. If you are planning a family and worried about whether diabetes and fertility in English terms might stand in your way, don’t panic. Connect with our counsellors
