Fertility is usually seen as the ability to conceive a child. A female is seen to be most fertile from the ages of being a late teen up until 30 years old. Thereafter, fertility naturally starts to decline as hormone production changes. Diabetes is an endocrine condition that develops when the pancreas is not able to produce sufficient amounts of insulin or when the cells in the body do not respond to insulin to reduce high blood glucose levels.
It usually disturbs the metabolism of sugars and foods, especially carbohydrates, as they need to be broken down into their simplest form known as glucose. If the metabolism is compromised, carbs cannot be broken down and blood glucose levels stay elevated. Diabetes is usually diagnosed when a fasting blood glucose reading is taken after 8-12 hours of fasting and when the reading is 7mmol/L or higher on two different occasions.
Untreated diabetes can lead to severe repercussions that can affect an individual’s quality of life by causing vision loss, slow wound healing, and in severe cases, it can cause fertility-related problems.
Diabetes And Its Repercussions
Diabetes mellitus can be classified into 2 types: type 1, where it is usually a genetic disorder that causes the pancreas to not produce sufficient insulin, and type 2, where the demand for insulin is too high causing less insulin to take up glucose into the cells and more glucose in the bloodstream. It also causes some cells to not be able to take up the glucose as it usually would, also known as insulin resistance.
Studies have shown that diabetes that is left untreated or not managed properly can lead to retinopathy, kidney disease, neuropathy, distal limb amputation, and fertility problems.
Type 1 diabetes is often treated and managed via the use of extra insulin via injections. This helps to increase insulin levels which cannot be fulfilled by the pancreas. The patients also need to monitor their food intake as it can affect the amount of insulin they need to administer to control their blood glucose. These patients also often have an emergency supply of glucagon which is needed when the insulin is overpowering, lowering the blood glucose levels too low.
Type 2 diabetes is often treated and managed via oral antidiabetic medications and in severe cases along with insulin. These patients must implement lifestyle changes including following a healthy and nutritious diet as well as exercising regularly to increase insulin sensitivity. Losing weight prevents the release of free fatty acids from the adipose tissue and helps the cells to use insulin in the right way which leads to a decrease in blood glucose levels.
A dietitian and coach can be consulted on the correct regimen to follow to achieve one’s goal.
Diabetes And Fertility
Studies have shown that type 2 diabetes is commonly related to fertility-related problems in females. Elevated blood glucose levels commonly cause abnormal menstruation and can lead to amenorrhoea during a female’s reproductive years. It is also commonly related to a shorter reproductive period for these females.
These studies have also shown that when proper glycaemic control is implemented along with lifestyle changes to prevent diabetic complications, it increases a female’s fertile abilities. Type 2 diabetes is also commonly associated with other health risks such as elevated blood pressure, hyperlipidemia, and sometimes PCOS.
These health issues must be addressed and managed before the female attempts to become pregnant as it can cause severe complications during pregnancy. Type 1 diabetes also commonly causes trouble for females trying to become pregnant. It is important and recommended to discuss fertility-related concerns with one’s doctor or endocrinologist.
How To Prevent Infertility Related to Diabetes
The negative effects of diabetes can often be overcome by implementing lifestyle changes. These changes may include a healthy diet designed by a dietitian. The diet can typically contain healthy amounts of fruits, vegetables and healthy fats, along with limited and low-GI carbohydrates. Implementing aerobic exercises for at least 150 minutes per week can also help to maintain a healthy weight and increase insulin sensitivity.
Losing weight can help to overcome the negative effects that diabetes can have on a female’s ovaries while also eliminating the negative health complications of hypertension and cholesterol. It is also important to monitor one’s blood glucose levels on a recurrent basis and if necessary, adhere to the medication regimen.
It is also important to note that females who smoke and who have diabetes and want to become pregnant, are advised to cease smoking and also implement measures to reduce stress and anxiety.
