How Are Diabetes and Infertility Connected?

Diabetes is one of the most common chronic diseases in the world. In India alone, there were nearly 75 million people diagnosed with diabetes in the age group 20-79 in 2021. Besides causing several health complications, diabetes is also known to be a major cause of infertility for both men and women. So, let us see how diabetes and infertility are connected and how you can prevent infertility even after being diabetic.

What Is Infertility?

Infertility is defined as a condition that can be experienced by both sexes and results in an inability to conceive after having regular and unprotected intercourse for over a year. A reproductive system disorder caused by diabetes is one of the major causes of infertility.

How Does Diabetes Cause Infertility?

Diabetes is a disease that leads to a high glucose content in the bloodstream. Insulin, a hormone in our body that is produced by the pancreas, transfers glucose from the blood to the cells. When the body does not produce sufficient insulin or the sugar is unable to reach the cells due to insulin resistance, the level of sugar in the blood increases and, if unchecked, can cause serious damage to various parts of the body, including reproductive organs.

The chance of infertility is high in couples where one of the partners suffers from diabetes. Women have reduced libido and are prone to infections that may damage their reproductive organs, such as the fallopian tube, and may also cause congenital defects in the fetus. Men, too, experience decreased libido and genital dysfunction.

So, if you are diabetic and struggling with infertility issues, you must consult a specialist at the best infertility clinic near you to ensure that you receive the best possible treatment. If you are looking for the best infertility specialist in Mumbai, then Dr. Nandita P. Palshetkar could be your best option. With more than three decades of experience in this field, she can resolve all your issues related to infertility.

Types of Diabetes

• Type 1 diabetes: This is an autoimmune disease in which the immune system affects the pancreas, which then is unable to produce insulin.
• Type 2 diabetes: This is the more common type that is mostly seen in diabetic patients. The body develops insulin resistance, and the cells are unable to absorb the glucose from the blood, thus increasing the sugar levels in the blood.
• Gestational diabetes: Found in pregnant women, it is caused due to the production of insulin-blocking hormones by the placenta.

Infertility-Related Risks Due to Diabetes

Diabetic women face the risk of delayed menarche, which refers to the late onset of menstruation, irregular menstrual cycle, and anovulation caused by hormonal imbalance. They are also at a higher risk of contracting cervical-vaginal infections, suffering miscarriages, causing neonatal complications in the baby, and even stillbirths.

Men who have diabetes experience erectile dysfunction and retrograde ejaculation. Testosterone production in the body and sperm quality is also impacted. 

When Must You Consult a Doctor?

With proper diagnosis and treatment, it is possible to enjoy a safe and healthy pregnancy for even diabetic couples. If you do not conceive after a year of trying, you must consult a fertility doctor who can suggest the right infertility treatment options for you after assessing the causes and risk factors.

Get the Best Infertility Treatment with Dr. Nandita P. Palshetkar

If you are looking for the latest infertility and IVF treatments in Mumbai, contact Dr. Nandita P. Palshetkar. She has been one of the top gynecologists in Mumbai and is a pioneer in IVF procedures in India. Schedule a free online consultation or book an appointment today!