Diabetes mellitus is a metabolic disease that affects multiple systems of the body, and its negative effects on male reproductive health are often overlooked. Hyperglycemia can impair spermatogenesis and sperm function by damaging blood vessels and nerves and by interfering with hormonal balance, thereby reducing male fertility. It is vital to understand how diabetes affects spermatogenesis and other aspects of fertility, as well as the steps that can be taken to improve the chances of starting a family in the future
Effect of diabetes on male fertility
In patients with type 1 diabetes mellitus, persistent hyperglycemia, oxidative stress, and hormone imbalance can damage testicular function and interfere with normal sperm production. Studies have shown that the semen volume of such patients is often lower than that of non-diabetic men, which may be related to the impaired contractile function of the epididymis. At the same time, sperm mitochondrial function may also be affected, resulting in decreased sperm motility. In addition, the nerve and vascular lesions caused by diabetes can also lead to erectile dysfunction, which further affects natural conception.
Type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) is often accompanied by chronic inflammation and significant oxidative stress, which can damage sperm DNA and reduce sperm motility. Clinical observations have shown that patients with type 2 diabetes have generally poor semen parameters, including decreased semen volume, decreased sperm count, decreased sperm concentration, and reduced forward motility. In addition, such patients are at increased risk of low testosterone levels, which directly inhibit spermatogenesis and may lead to decreased libido and erectile dysfunction.
How to improve male fertility
- Strict glucose control is the foundation
Maintaining the stability of blood glucose is the key to reduce damage of diabetes to the reproductive system. It is necessary to follow the doctor’s advice for drug treatment, regularly monitor blood glucose, and control carbohydrate intake through a reasonable diet to avoid large fluctuations in blood glucose, which may cause continuous damage to the spermatogenic environment.
- Actively adjust your lifestyle
Maintaining regular exercise, balanced diet, weight control, quitting smoking, limiting alcohol can help improve the body’s metabolic state, reduce oxidative stress and inflammatory response, and thus provide a more favorable internal environment for spermatogenesis.
- Carry out targeted medical evaluation and intervention
Professional fertility testing is recommended prior to family planning. If obvious hormonal abnormalities are present (e.g., low testosterone), they can be treated under the guidance of a doctor. For patients with severe abnormal semen parameters, reproductive medicine experts can be consulted to discuss the applicability of assisted reproductive technology.
- Maintain your overall health
Ensure adequate sleep, manage mental stress, and maintain a regular schedule. Long-term physical and mental stress can disrupt endocrine balance and thereby impair spermatogenesis.
In conclusion, it is true that diabetes may impair male fertility through multiple pathways, but through comprehensive disease management, lifestyle optimization, and necessary medical support, men with diabetes can still improve their fertility potential.