How does diabetes affect infertility in males and females? A growing worldwide concern.
Diabetes and Infertility: A Growing Concern
Prevalence of Diabetes:
- The global prevalence of diabetes has been steadily increasing, with millions of people diagnosed each year.
- The International Diabetes Federation estimates that over 500 million individuals globally are currently afflicted with diabetes mellitus, predominantly type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM).
- And when we are talking about Indian perspective, India has a significant burden of diabetes, and the prevalence is increasing, especially among young adults. This trend is closely linked to lifestyle factors such as sedentary lifestyles, poor diet, and stress.
- The National Family Health Survey indicates a fertility rate of 1.6 in urban India and 2.1 in rural regions. By 2050, India’s total fertility rate (TFR) is anticipated to decline to 1.29, much below the replacement rate of 2.1.
Is Diabetes a Cause of Infertility?
Yes, according to Dr. Puneet Rana Arora, diabetes can have an impact on fertility in both men and women, potentially making it difficult for some people to conceive.
Here’s how diabetes affects fertility in both male & female:
Diabetes effects In Women infertility
1. Hormonal Imbalances: Dr. Puneet Says High blood sugar levels can disturb hormone balance, potentially resulting in irregular menstrual cycles, a lack of ovulation, or disorders such as polycystic ovarian syndrome (PCOS), which can impair female fertility.
2. Egg Quality: Even poor blood sugar control over time can have an impact on egg quality, lowering the likelihood of successful egg fertilisation and a healthy pregnancy.
3. Risk of Miscarriage : A large percentage of women who visit our centre express concern about their uncontrolled diabetes, noting an increased risk of miscarriage and pregnancy problems, which may have an impact on overall fertility.
4. Increased Risk of PCOS : Polycystic ovarian syndrome (PCOS) is usually seen in women who have insulin resistance, which is commonly associated with type 2 diabetes and is an important factor to infertility.
Diabetes effects In Men infertility
1. Reduced Sperm Quality: Diabetes, particularly when uncontrolled in men, can damage sperm DNA, lowering its quality and motility, which are critical for fertility.
2. Erectile Dysfunction and Retrograde Ejaculation: Diabetes can cause erectile dysfunction due to blood vessel and nerve damage. Retrograde ejaculation—semen entering the bladder instead of leaving—is another diabetes-related condition.
3. Hormonal Changes: High blood sugar can mess with testosterone levels, which might affect sperm production and sex drive.
How to manage Diabetes for Better Fertility Outcomes?
By successfully regulating blood sugar levels through diet, exercise, and medication, many of these fertility issues can be lessened.
Here are key steps you need to consider:
1. Check Regular of Blood Sugar level time to time
2. Eat Nutritious & Balanced Diet (specially when you are planning for pregnancy)
3. Do exercise on regular basis
4. Avoid any kind of Stress level
5. Get Enough Sleep and maintain 7 to 8 hr sleep
6. Stay away from tobacco and alcohol
6. Always Go for regular consultation with a fertility specialist and a diabetes specialist
How can Dr Puneet Rana Arora as Fertility Expert help you manage diabetes for a successful fertility outcome?
A fertility expert can play an important role in managing diabetes and improving fertility outcomes by providing a comprehensive and personalised approach. Here’s how Dr. Puneet Rana Arora can help you:
Personalized Treatment Planning – Dr. Puneet Rana assesses the impact of diabetes on key hormones for reproductive health, including insulin, testosterone, and oestrogen.
Apart from that, she can adjust fertility treatments to account for diabetes, recommending options like IUI or IVF when necessary, taking into consideration any underlying blood sugar challenges.
Addressing Diabetes-Related Reproductive Challenges like Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS) Management (Diabetes and PCOS often coexist in women and can lead to infertility) in females. But, also in men, diabetes can reduce sperm quality, motility, and DNA integrity.
Here, Dr. Puneet Rana Arora, as a fertility expert, can recommend lifestyle changes, supplements, or medical interventions to improve sperm parameters for a successful conception.
Coordinated Care with Endocrinologists and Other Specialists – At the CIFAR IVF Center, Dr. Puneet Rana Arora and her team, including an endocrinologist and other specialists, manage diabetes and reproductive health in harmony, thereby minimizing the risks associated with pregnancy and gestational diabetes.
Additionally, our centre provides patients with the opportunity to engage with mental health professionals if they are experiencing stress due to diabetes or infertility, as stress management is crucial for both conditions.
In addition to these services, Dr. Puneet assists you with optimizing blood sugar levels for reproductive health, managing diabetes, creating a customized diet, implementing exercise plans, and monitoring and adjusting during pregnancy.
The Final Approach
In essence, a fertility expert’s holistic approach—addressing lifestyle, blood sugar control, reproductive health, and personalized treatment—is essential for optimizing fertility outcomes in individuals with diabetes.
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