Does diabetes affect fertility?

Diabetes can negatively impact fertility in both men and women, though it affects each sex differently. This condition consists on high levels of glucose in the blood, which can lead to fertility problems and difficulty achieving a successful pregnancy.

How Is Female Fertility Affected by Diabetes?

Uncontrolled diabetes can negatively impact female fertility. Elevated blood glucose levels disrupt the hormonal balance necessary for ovulation.

When hyperglycemia (high blood sugar) occurs, it can reduce the synthesis of key reproductive hormones:

• Estradiol: Helps the egg mature and prepares the uterine lining (endometrium) for implantation.
• Progesterone: Essential for maintaining pregnancy. It relaxes the uterus to enable implantation and helps prevent early contractions.
• Testosterone: Plays a role in libido, energy, and bone health. A healthy hormonal balance is vital for fertility and successful conception in both sexes.

However, a diabetic woman’s fertility can be comparable to that of a non-diabetic woman, as long as her condition is well-controlled and not accompanied by other conditions such as PCOS or obesity.

How Does Diabetes Affect Male Fertility?

High blood glucose levels can have negative consequences on male fertility. Here’s how diabetes can affect men:

• Semen quality. Diabetes can impair sperm development, maturation, and aging, reducing the chances of achieving pregnancy.
• Erectile dysfunction. Excess blood glucose damages blood vessels required for erections.
• Morphological alterations. Sperm may develop abnormal shapes.
• Sperm DNA damage. This makes fertilization more difficult and can increase the risk of miscarriage or genetic issues.

Oxidative stress resulting from high blood sugar, which damages sperm DNA, often causes these effects. Proper glucose control can improve and help prevent fertility complications.

Type 1 vs. Type 2 Diabetes: Differences in Male Fertility

Both type 1 and type 2 diabetes can influence male fertility, primarily through nerve and blood vessel damage. These may lead to erectile dysfunction and ejaculatory issues. This condition can also compromise semen quality by decreasing sperm motility, concentration, and DNA integrity.

In long-standing cases of type 1 diabetes, sperm count is often reduced. Type 2 diabetes is more commonly linked to hormonal imbalances and insulin resistance that interfere with sperm production. Maintaining proper glucose control is essential for improving reproductive potential.

Common Myths About Diabetes and Fertility

Let’s debunk a few myths related to diabetes and fertility:

Does diabetes only affect people who are overweight?

No. While excess weight and physical inactivity increase the risk of developing type 2 diabetes, this condition can also affect thin individuals. Genetics and age also play a role.

Is sugar a direct cause of diabetes?

No. Consuming too much sugar alone does not directly cause diabetes. Type 2 diabetes develops from a combination of genetic predisposition and unhealthy lifestyle habits like poor diet, inactivity, and stress.

Does diabetes require strict care?

Yes. Diabetes is a chronic condition that requires consistent medical monitoring and management. If left uncontrolled, it can cause damage to the eyes, kidneys, nerves, and cardiovascular system.

How Does Insulin Resistance Work?

Insulin resistance is closely linked to fertility, especially in women. When cells don’t respond effectively to insulin, hormonal imbalances can occur, hindering ovulation.

This condition is frequently associated with polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS), one of the leading causes of female infertility. Women with PCOS often have elevated insulin levels. This can lead to increased androgens (male hormones) and irregular menstrual cycles.

In men, although the link is less direct, high insulin and glucose levels have been shown to impair semen quality, thereby reducing male reproductive potential.

Healthy Lifestyle Habits to Manage Diabetes

As mentioned above, diabetes must be carefully managed. In addition to medical treatment, it’s important to maintain a healthy lifestyle with special attention to the following:

• Eating a balanced diet rich in nutrients, vitamins, and minerals
• Managing overweight or obesity
• Minimizing harmful substances like alcohol and tobacco

Conclusions

• Diabetes is characterized by high blood sugar levels, which can make conception more difficult.
• Proper glucose control improves and helps prevent fertility complications.
• Female fertility can be comparable to that of non-diabetic women if the condition is controlled and no other comorbidities like PCOS or obesity are present.
• In men, high insulin and glucose levels can reduce semen quality.

At IVI we have experts in reproductive immunology, that can study your case and give you a personnalized solution. Contact us by phoning or fill in the web form, and the team will call you back.

Bibliography

Centro Fertilidad. (s. f.). Diabetes y fertilidad masculina. Recuperado de https://centrofertilidad.com/blog/diabetes-y-fertilidad-masculina/