Tips to manage diabetes to prevent fertility complications in men and women

Uncontrolled diabetes can negatively impact fertility for both men and women hence.

It is crucial to manage diabetes effectively in order to increase the chances of a successful pregnancy as the impact of diabetes on fertility encompasses detrimental effects on reproductive health for both males and females. The disruption of hormones due to diabetes is primarily responsible for hindering successful implantation and pregnancy achievement as diabetes compromises the quality of sperm, eggs and embryos while also inflicting damage to DNA structure, ultimately leading to genetic mutations and deletions.

The impact of diabetes on female fertility
In an interview with HT Lifestyle, Dr Aarti Rapol, Consultant IVF and Fertility Specialist at Ankura Hospitals in Pune, explained, “Among the various factors influencing a woman’s ability to conceive, diabetes stands out as a significant contributor. Diabetes is in the form of Type 1 and Type 2. If one has Type 1 diabetes, the body fails to produce sufficient insulin for sugar metabolism, resulting in elevated blood sugar levels.

Those with Type 2 diabetes produce normal amounts of insulin but experience resistance to its effects; therefore requiring higher insulin levels for sugar metabolism purposes. Additionally, gestational diabetes mellitus refers to a temporary form of diabetes that develops during pregnancy but typically resolves after childbirth.”

She elaborated, “Pregnant women with high blood sugar in the early stages are at a significantly higher risk of experiencing complications and difficulties, including congenital anomalies and miscarriages. In later stages of pregnancy, elevated blood sugar levels can lead to low birth weight and even sudden intrauterine death.

Additionally, women with gestational diabetes have an increased likelihood of developing diabetes later in life and are at a higher risk of developing diabetes in subsequent pregnancies. They also face double the risk of acquiring hypertension in late pregnancy.”