New Delhi: Pre-diabetes is a condition where the body’s ability to regulate blood sugar levels becomes impaired, making individuals more susceptible to developing type 2 diabetes. While pre-diabetes can often be reversed with healthy lifestyle changes such as improving diet and increasing physical activity, some individuals are at a higher risk due to genetic and environmental factors. One area where pre-diabetes can have a significant impact is fertility, especially when it comes to both male and female reproductive health.
In an interaction with News9Live, Dr. Radhika Potluri, Regional Medical Head & Fertility Specialist, explained how pre-diabetes and infertility are associated.
When it comes to starting a family, many factors can influence the process of conception. While lifestyle choices like diet and exercise play a major role. Pre-diabetes, in particular, is increasingly being linked to difficulties with conception, especially among men who may not even be aware of the condition. Factors such as family history of type 2 diabetes, being overweight, having a high BMI, or being over the age of 40 can all increase the risk of becoming prediabetic and, subsequently, struggling with fertility.
For women, fertility can still be achieved even with type 1 or type 2 diabetes, though there are additional health risks that must be carefully managed. With proper planning and blood sugar control, the risks to both mother and baby can be minimized. However, when diabetes is not well-managed, complications during pregnancy can arise, such as fetal malformations and pregnancy-related hypertension.
Fertility Considerations for Women with Diabetes
For women with diabetes who are planning a pregnancy, maintaining good blood sugar control is essential. Ideally, before trying to conceive, the HbA1c level, which measures long-term blood glucose control, should be below 7 percent. In cases where the risk of hypoglycemia is low, even lower levels of 6.5 percent may be targeted. A diabetes care team should be consulted well in advance of conception to ensure that blood sugar levels are under control.
Throughout pregnancy, managing blood glucose is critical. Maintaining average blood glucose levels between 90 and 110 mg/dl (5.0 mmol/l to 6.1 mmol/l) is necessary for both maternal and fetal health. Additional tests should be conducted before pregnancy to assess the following:
- Long-term blood sugar control (HbA1c levels)
- Blood pressure and cholesterol levels
- Thyroid function to check for any thyroid imbalances
For women who have unintentionally become pregnant while managing diabetes, it’s important to seek medical advice as soon as possible to ensure proper care and avoid complications.
The Role of Pre-Diabetes in Male Fertility
Prediabetes doesn’t only affect women. Men with pre-diabetes may also face fertility challenges. Men with a family history of diabetes, those who are overweight, or those with a sedentary lifestyle are at higher risk of developing pre-diabetes, which can affect sperm health and overall fertility. For couples who have been trying to conceive for over one year without success, both partners must undergo fertility evaluations.
If natural conception proves difficult, assisted reproductive technologies, like IUI, and IVF, may be recommended. However, it’s important to remember that healthy fertility is linked to healthy lifestyle choices, and addressing pre-diabetes before attempting to conceive can greatly increase the chances of successful pregnancy outcomes.
How to Detect Pre-Diabetes and Its Impact on Fertility
One of the first steps in addressing pre-diabetes and its impact on fertility is to get tested for diabetes, especially if there is a family history of the condition. Blood sugar levels should be checked regularly, and if pre-diabetes is diagnosed, it’s crucial to make lifestyle changes to improve insulin sensitivity and reduce the risk of developing type 2 diabetes. Healthy eating, regular exercise, and maintaining a healthy weight can help manage pre-diabetes and improve overall reproductive health.
Conclusion: The Importance of Early Detection
Early detection of pre-diabetes is key to preventing future health complications, including infertility. When pre-diabetes is diagnosed early, lifestyle changes can be implemented that not only reduce the risk of developing type 2 diabetes but also support fertility health. Whether you are planning to start a family now or in the future, understanding your body’s glucose regulation and taking proactive steps to maintain healthy blood sugar levels can make all the difference in your fertility journey. Healthy parents lead to healthier children, so early detection and intervention are critical for both reproductive health and long-term wellness.
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