Understanding Diabetes and Fertility

About 830 million people worldwide are living with diabetes. Diabetes is a disease characterized by the body’s inability to produce or respond to insulin, leading to high blood sugar levels. Insulin, produced by the pancreas, transports glucose to cells. If you don’t have enough insulin or your body isn’t using it properly, glucose stays in your blood. If not managed correctly, diabetes can lead to a myriad of health problems, such as an increased risk of heart disease and glaucoma, among others.

Additionally, diabetes can affect fertility in both men and women. Hormone balance, vascular health, and overall reproductive well-being are all affected by diabetes. It is extremely important for couples with diabetes to seek expert fertility care prior to getting pregnant.

People with diabetes must be vigilant in managing their blood sugar levels. This includes lifestyle changes such as adopting a stricter diet, maintaining a healthy weight, and exercising regularly. Diabetes can also make conception more difficult due to its effects on nerve function, circulation, and reproductive hormones.

Diabetes can significantly affect hormone regulation in women, causing irregular periods and problems with ovulation. It can even lead to Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS). Proper protocols to manage hormonal imbalances are essential for improving overall reproductive health.

A man’s reproductive health is also affected by diabetes. High blood sugar levels can affect sperm count, motility, and overall sperm quality, making it harder to conceive. Diabetes is also known to reduce testosterone levels, leading to a lower libido, reduced muscle mass, and general fatigue.

Diabetic men can have a baby, and diabetic women can get pregnant, but it’s essential to seek medical advice early if planning to start a family. Poorly managed diabetes can lead to serious health complications during conception or pregnancy.

Challenges for Diabetics Trying to Conceive

Common fertility-related issues in diabetic women include:

• Hormonal imbalances caused by diabetes affect ovulation. High levels of insulin disrupt the balance of reproductive hormones such as the luteinizing hormone (LH) and follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH), both essential to ovulation. The hormone imbalances caused by diabetes also affect egg development and can lead to Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS). Women with PCOS often experience irregular ovulation or may not ovulate at all.
• Women with diabetes, especially if not managed correctly, have a higher risk of miscarriage or complications during pregnancy. High blood sugar levels affect fetal development and increase the risk of birth defects. Additionally, diabetes weakens the immune system, making future mothers more susceptible to infections. Having diabetes makes it harder to maintain a healthy pregnancy.

Common fertility-related issues in diabetic men include:

• A decrease in sperm motility and sperm count due to lower testosterone levels and high blood sugar levels caused by diabetes can make it harder for men to conceive.
• Men with diabetes have a higher chance of DNA damage in sperm due to several factors. Oxidative stress, caused by high blood sugar levels, can damage sperm cells. Additionally, poor circulation, a common symptom of diabetes, affects the overall health of the testicles, which is where sperm is produced. Poor testicular health increases the risk of DNA damage in sperm.

Improving Fertility Outcomes for Diabetic Couples

Managing blood sugar levels is crucial to reproductive health. For those with diabetes, it poses a greater risk and challenge. High blood sugar levels interfere with the body’s ability to produce and regulate hormones, which can make it more difficult to conceive and carry a baby safely to term. You can increase your chances of conception by prioritizing regular exercise, weight management, and a healthy diet. Additionally, stress reduction is paramount to improving fertility outcomes for diabetic couples. Stress hormones, such as cortisol, can disrupt insulin production. Those with diabetes can help regulate their blood sugar levels naturally by reducing stress. A healthy lifestyle can help improve the hormonal balance necessary for healthy reproductive function.

Thanks to recent advancements in medical care, diabetic couples now have significantly improved chances of successfully conceiving and carrying a baby to term.

How Vejthani Fertility Center (VFC) Can Help

Vejthani Fertility Center, certified by the Royal Thai College of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists, is a leading fertility clinic in Bangkok. Known for its state-of-the-art facilities, VFC provides a comprehensive approach to helping individuals with diabetes achieve pregnancy. We understand that trying to conceive can be a stressful and emotional time. That’s why our team of experts is here to guide you with a personalized care plan for managing diabetes and fertility. At VFC, we offer both Intracytoplasmic Sperm Injection (ICSI) and In Vitro Fertilization (IVF), utilizing cutting-edge medical technology to support your reproductive needs. With over 15 years in the industry, our expert team of endocrinologists and fertility specialists are on hand to help you maximize your chances of conception. VFC prides itself on its welcoming, inclusive environment, handling each individual that steps through our doors with the sensitivity and care they deserve.

We encourage individuals with diabetes to seek medical advice before trying to conceive. Meeting with an endocrinologist ahead of time can give couples the reassurance needed to know that with diligent care and specialized support, diabetic individuals can safely and confidently achieve their dream of parenthood.

Contact the Vejthani Fertility Center today for a consultation, and let us tailor a fertility journey specifically for you. Your path to parenthood begins now! Click here to book an appointment.

The Vejthani Fertility Center is located at 3 Lat Phrao Road 111 in Bangkok, and is part of the Vejthani Hospital complex.