Health and Me

Ishita Roy

Diabetes Can Also Impact Your Reproductive Health, According To Doctor

<span><a href="https://www.healthandme.com/health/diabetes">Diabetes</a></span> is one of the fastest-growing lifestyle disorders in India, and while its impact on the heart, kidneys, nerves, and eyes is widely discussed, its effect on male <span>reproductive health</span> is often overlooked. To understand it better, the Health and Me team spoke to Dr. Prajakta Chaudhary, Fertility Specialist at Nova IVF Fertility, Andheri. The doctor explained that uncontrolled diabetes can significantly harm sperm quality, sexual function, and hormone balance. “Many men don’t realize that poorly managed diabetes can directly affect their fertility,” she says.

While both men and women are affected by diabetes, a large proportion of men remain unaware that their reproductive health may be at risk. High blood sugar levels, especially when unmanaged for long periods, interfere with the body’s ability to use insulin properly, leading to complications that extend far beyond fatigue, thirst, or frequent urination. Dr. Chaudhary explains that long-standing diabetes can damage nerves, blood vessels, and even reproductive organs, creating a cascade of effects that may impact fertility.

<h2>How Diabetes Affects Sperm Health</h2>

Uncontrolled diabetes can compromise sperm health in multiple ways. One major concern is oxidative stress, a condition triggered by high blood sugar levels that damages sperm DNA. Dr. Chaudhary notes, “High glucose levels can harm the genetic material inside sperm cells, affecting their ability to fertilize an egg.”

<ul><li>Lower sperm count</li><li>Reduced sperm motility (slower movement)</li><li>Abnormal sperm morphology (shape issues)</li></ul>

These changes can make conception more difficult. Additionally, diabetes-related nerve damage may lead to erectile dysfunction or difficulty ejaculating, further reducing the chances of successful conception. Hormonal imbalance is another concern, many men with unmanaged diabetes show reduced testosterone levels, impacting libido and overall reproductive function.

“When diabetes remains uncontrolled, we commonly see low testosterone and issues like erectile dysfunction or ejaculation difficulties,” the doctor shares. This combination can significantly challenge a couple’s journey to parenthood.

<h2>Steps Men Can Take to Protect Their Fertility</h2>

Despite the risks, men can take meaningful steps to safeguard their reproductive health. Dr. Chaudhary emphasizes the importance of consistent diabetes management: “Regular monitoring of blood sugar and keeping it within the recommended range is the foundation.”

She advises incorporating the following habits:

<ul><li>Take prescribed diabetes medications regularly</li><li>Exercise for at least 45 minutes daily</li><li>Practice stress-relief activities like yoga or meditation</li><li>Maintain a healthy weight</li><li>Eat a balanced, nutrient-rich diet</li><li>Quit smoking and reduce or avoid alcohol</li><li>Go for routine health check-ups</li></ul>

For couples trying to conceive, she recommends adding hormone testing and semen analysis to routine evaluations.

Poorly managed diabetes can impact sperm quality, testosterone levels, and sexual function—but the good news is that these issues are often reversible with proper care. Dr. Chaudhary explains that fertility treatment for men with diabetes typically focuses on stabilizing blood sugar, correcting hormonal imbalances, and addressing sperm-related issues. “Depending on sperm quality, assisted reproductive techniques like IUI or IVF may be recommended,” she adds.

For men with diabetes planning to start a family, early evaluation and timely intervention can make a significant difference. As Dr. Chaudhary puts it, “With proper guidance and blood sugar control, fatherhood is absolutely achievable.”

Health Conditions A-Z

health

parenting

reproductive health

Diabetes

diabetes impact on reproductive health

parenting advice

parenting tips

Should Kids “Learn to Tolerate” Delhi-NCR Pollution? Doctor Addresses Parents’ Fears About Air Purifiers and Immunity

India Sees a 4000% Increase In Sale Of Ultra Processed Food, Finds Lancet Study

Parenting

8 Sit-Up Variations to Strengthen Your Core and Build Stability

Benefits Of Ayurvedic Health Supplement Ashwagandha

9 Anti-Inflammatory Breakfast Options You Should Try

5 Foods You Should Avoid For PCOS, Says Gynecologist

Love Sitting With Your Legs Crossed? Here’s You Should Avoid It

6 Daily Foods That Are Secretly Increasing Your Calories

9 Brain Boosters You Should Do Everyday

Hip Exercises That Will Keep You Flexible As You Age

9 Leg Exercises Office Workers’ Should Do At Home

Benefits of Having Herbal Tea Every Morning

9 Daily Habits That Boost Your Brain Power

Lower-Body Exercises That Are Game-Changers

How Drinking Apple Cider Vinegar Helps You

Aging Myths You Should Never Believe

Superfoods That Support Your Gut Health

What Happens To Your Body When You Eat Instant Noodles Every Day?

Health Issues Premature Babies Often Face

Exercises Office Workers Should Do For Their Heart Health

Reasons Why You Should Add Raw Turmeric To Your Diet

Benefits Of Drinking Milk At Night: Why You Should Do It

Food That Provides Vitamin B12 Naturally In Your Diet

Surprising Health Benefits Of Fenugreek Seeds

9 Superfoods You Should Eat For Your Brain Health

What Does Mental Health Support Look Like At Work?

Long Stretches You Should Do To Unwind From Your Day

Colon Cancer In Young Adults: Early Symptoms You Should Know

Health Benefits Of Eating Dry Fruits Everyday

Are You At Risk For Fried Rice Syndrome?

These Tests Reveal How Well You Are Aging

Lower-Back Exercises You Should Do After A Long-Day's Work

Children’s Diet – What Kids Need To Eat For Immunity Building

Common Diabetes Myths That Could Hurt Your Health

Love Spicy Food? Here’s How It Affects Your Health

Superfood List: Veggies And Fruits You Must Have For Immunity

Foods People With IBS Should Avoid

Exercises To Improve Digestion

Easy Work Lunches You Can Make In The Morning

Hunger Vs Craving: Difference Explained In 60 seconds

These Things Can Cause Your Heart To Age Faster

High Carb Foods That Are Actually Healthy

Diabetes is one of the fastest-growing lifestyle disorders in India, and while its impact on the heart, kidneys, nerves, and eyes is widely discussed, its effect on male reproductive health is often overlooked. To understand it better, the Health and Me team spoke to Dr. Prajakta Chaudhary, Fertility Specialist at Nova IVF Fertility, Andheri. The doctor explained that uncontrolled diabetes can significantly harm sperm quality, sexual function, and hormone balance. “Many men don’t realize that poorly managed diabetes can directly affect their fertility,” she says.While both men and women are affected by diabetes, a large proportion of men remain unaware that their reproductive health may be at risk. High blood sugar levels, especially when unmanaged for long periods, interfere with the body’s ability to use insulin properly, leading to complications that extend far beyond fatigue, thirst, or frequent urination. Dr. Chaudhary explains that long-standing diabetes can damage nerves, blood vessels, and even reproductive organs, creating a cascade of effects that may impact fertility.How Diabetes Affects Sperm HealthUncontrolled diabetes can compromise sperm health in multiple ways. One major concern is oxidative stress, a condition triggered by high blood sugar levels that damages sperm DNA. Dr. Chaudhary notes, “High glucose levels can harm the genetic material inside sperm cells, affecting their ability to fertilize an egg.”Men with diabetes may experience:Lower sperm countReduced sperm motility (slower movement)Abnormal sperm morphology (shape issues)These changes can make conception more difficult. Additionally, diabetes-related nerve damage may lead to erectile dysfunction or difficulty ejaculating, further reducing the chances of successful conception. Hormonal imbalance is another concern, many men with unmanaged diabetes show reduced testosterone levels, impacting libido and overall reproductive function.“When diabetes remains uncontrolled, we commonly see low testosterone and issues like erectile dysfunction or ejaculation difficulties,” the doctor shares. This combination can significantly challenge a couple’s journey to parenthood.Steps Men Can Take to Protect Their FertilityDespite the risks, men can take meaningful steps to safeguard their reproductive health. Dr. Chaudhary emphasizes the importance of consistent diabetes management: “Regular monitoring of blood sugar and keeping it within the recommended range is the foundation.”She advises incorporating the following habits:Take prescribed diabetes medications regularlyExercise for at least 45 minutes dailyPractice stress-relief activities like yoga or meditationMaintain a healthy weightEat a balanced, nutrient-rich dietQuit smoking and reduce or avoid alcoholGo for routine health check-upsFor couples trying to conceive, she recommends adding hormone testing and semen analysis to routine evaluations.The Last WordPoorly managed diabetes can impact sperm quality, testosterone levels, and sexual function—but the good news is that these issues are often reversible with proper care. Dr. Chaudhary explains that fertility treatment for men with diabetes typically focuses on stabilizing blood sugar, correcting hormonal imbalances, and addressing sperm-related issues. “Depending on sperm quality, assisted reproductive techniques like IUI or IVF may be recommended,” she adds.For men with diabetes planning to start a family, early evaluation and timely intervention can make a significant difference. As Dr. Chaudhary puts it, “With proper guidance and blood sugar control, fatherhood is absolutely achievable.”