On World Diabetes Day 2024, Dr. Prasanta Kumar Nayak, Clinical Head and Fertility Specialist at Oasis Fertility, explains how in vitro fertilization (IVF) is helping diabetic couples overcome fertility challenges and realize their dreams of parenthood. With over 500 million people worldwide living with diabetes, most of whom have type 2 diabetes, the condition can significantly impact fertility in both men and women. However, advances in IVF offer a hopeful solution for couples facing these challenges.
In women, diabetes can disrupt hormonal balance, leading to irregular periods, ovulation issues, and conditions like Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS), which can complicate conception. Early menopause is another concern that reduces the window for fertility. Studies show that women with type 2 diabetes, especially those diagnosed before attempting to conceive, are at a higher risk of infertility, miscarriage, and complications during pregnancy.
For men, diabetes can affect sperm quality, motility, and count, and is often linked to erectile dysfunction, making natural conception more difficult. The combination of these factors can make fertility particularly challenging for diabetic couples.
IVF offers a controlled environment for fertilization, bypassing some of the natural barriers caused by diabetes-related complications. “IVF significantly increases the chances of pregnancy for diabetic couples by managing the fertility process in a way that accommodates these challenges,” says Dr. Nayak.
For the best IVF results, managing blood sugar is crucial. Women are advised to regulate their menstrual cycles and manage diabetes through a healthy diet, regular exercise, and weight control. These lifestyle changes improve reproductive health, reduce the risk of miscarriage, and support a healthy pregnancy. Similarly, men can benefit from improved testosterone levels and sperm quality by maintaining stable blood sugar levels.
Before trying to conceive, diabetic women should consult with their healthcare provider 3-6 months in advance. Folic acid supplements and blood sugar management are essential during this time to optimize the environment for conception. A personalized approach ensures better reproductive health and a lower risk of complications during pregnancy.
Recent IVF advancements, such as Intracytoplasmic Sperm Injection (ICSI), are helping male patients with low sperm count or motility issues. For women, customized ovarian stimulation protocols reduce hormonal risks, and Preimplantation Genetic Testing (PGT) screens for potential genetic issues, providing diabetic couples with added peace of mind.
IVF also offers enhanced medical monitoring throughout pregnancy, crucial for diabetic women who face higher risks of gestational diabetes, preeclampsia, and other complications. This structured supervision allows for early detection and management of potential issues, increasing the likelihood of a healthy pregnancy and full-term delivery
Dr. Nayak emphasizes, “For diabetic couples, IVF is a bridge between their health challenges and the desire to have a family. By combining advanced reproductive technology with proactive diabetes management, IVF offers a hopeful and effective path to parenthood, allowing couples to pursue their dreams of having children with confidence and peace of mind.”
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