Prayagraj. In recent years it has become clear that type 2 diabetes is not just a metabolic problem. It also affects reproductive health. Dr. Madhulika Singh, Fertility Specialist, Birla Fertility & IVF, Prayagraj, says that what is often ignored is the hidden triangle between the problem of rising sugar levels in the blood, falling testosterone levels and male fertility. It is important for couples considering assisted reproduction (such as IUI or IVF) to understand this triangle.
Blood sugar level and sperm health
Marked changes in reproductive capacity have been observed in men with uncontrolled diabetes. In a large study, which included more than 20,000 obese men and more than 1,300 diabetic men, it was found that men with diabetes had lower semen volume, sperm count and motility than men who did not have diabetes. Another research also found that diabetes not only affects sperm count and motility, but can also cause fragmentation and epigenetic changes in sperm DNA.
This means that if blood sugar levels are not under control, sometimes sperm quality is already affected before fertility treatment begins.
Testosterone: the vital link
Low testosterone is often found with type 2 diabetes. A study that included men with type 2 diabetes and metabolic syndrome showed that low testosterone was more common and such men had a worse metabolic profile. The same research, which looked at semen measurements, also indicates that men with diabetes have lower testosterone levels on average than normal men.
Testosterone is important for fertility in many ways. It helps support the environment for sperm production within the testicles, affects sexual desire and erections, and affects time and intimacy with a partner. When testosterone is low, even the most advanced treatments start out relatively weak.
Why is this triangle important in fertility care?
When a couple thinks about fertility options, the focus typically is on semen analysis (number, motility, composition) and the female partner’s testicles. But if a man’s metabolic and hormonal health are neglected, treatment results may be limited or unexpected obstacles may arise. A man with type 2 diabetes sometimes presents with borderline symptoms, but what may be hiding behind it is low testosterone, increased oxidative stress, and irregular blood sugar levels. Recognizing this triangle means that:
● Men with diabetes or pre-diabetes should be screened for testosterone and semen health early on.
● Actively work on metabolic optimization (diet, exercise, weight management and glycemic control) to improve testosterone levels and sperm parameters and strengthen the overall fertility plan.
● The focus should not be just on “Can we do IVF?”, but the conversation should be towards “First getting your body in the best possible condition, so that the outcome of any treatment can be better.”
-
Do you also keep a calendar on your office desk?
-
Donate these things according to your zodiac sign in the month of Paush, your luck will change!
-
Want to drive away pigeons from rooftops and balconies? So know these most effective methods
-
Why Pica makes you crave things that aren’t even food: Early signs, causes and why it often goes undetected |
-
Which is Better for Blood Sugar
