{"id":3129,"date":"2023-07-19T04:49:40","date_gmt":"2023-07-18T17:49:40","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/lifeprogram.org.au\/2023\/07\/19\/howdiabetesaffectsmalefertility\/"},"modified":"2025-06-18T16:28:50","modified_gmt":"2025-06-18T05:28:50","slug":"howdiabetesaffectsmalefertility","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/lifeprogram.org.au\/health-hub\/howdiabetesaffectsmalefertility\/","title":{"rendered":"What is the relationship between diabetes and male fertility?"},"content":{"rendered":"\n

Diabetes is a serious, long-term health condition that can cause damage throughout the body. In men, it causes particular damage to fertility\u2014the ability to make a woman pregnant. The ultimate cause of this is high blood glucose levels.<\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Sexual and fertility problems in men often have a large psychological impact. This article will describe those problems and how they occur. It will also discuss how they\u2019re treated.<\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n

The good news is that in many cases the damage done to male fertility by type 2 diabetes can be prevented, because type 2 diabetes can be prevented or delayed in up to 60% of people by making sustainable changes in daily habits.<\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n

This article explains how that\u2019s done and outlines the support that the <\/span>Life!<\/em><\/span><\/i> program offers to achieve it.<\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n

High blood sugar and male infertility<\/strong><\/b><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Hyperglaecemia (also known as high blood sugar) occurs when there is too much glucose in the bloodstream. Our bodies need blood glucose to provide our cells with nutrients and energy, but the amount of glucose in the bloodstream must be carefully managed. When it is not managed as with hyperglycaemia, it can result in damage to blood vessels and nerves. This decreases the ability of our nerves to send signals and weakens the walls of the blood vessels that bring them oxygen. This damage is called neuropathy.<\/span> <\/b><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Diabetic neuropathy affects the autonomic nervous system (ANS). The ANS is a network of nerves that connects the brain to the rest of the body, controlling vital processes such as breathing, digestion and sexual functions. <\/span>Diabetes seriously damages the nerves of the ANS, and one of the signs of this damage is<\/span> sexual dysfunction. Sexual dysfunction is where one or a group of conditions prevents someone from having or enjoying sex.<\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n

This explains the importance of managing blood sugar levels to maintain fertility. Well-managed blood glucose levels reduce the risk of erectile dysfunction and increases men\u2019s testosterone levels and sex drive. <\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n

What is type 2 diabetes?<\/strong><\/b><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Diabetes affects how the body converts food into energy. When you eat, your body breaks the food down into glucose, which is then released into your bloodstream. As your blood glucose levels rise, your pancreas releases insulin to allow the glucose to enter your cells, where it\u2019s used for energy.<\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n

With diabetes, the body either doesn\u2019t produce enough insulin or is unable to use it effectively. This results in high levels of glucose in the bloodstream (hyperglycaemia), which can damage blood vessels and nerves over time. This, as we have seen, leads to serious long-term health complications. Some of these affect male fertility.<\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n

There are two main types of diabetes\u2014type 1 and type 2.<\/span><\/a> There is also gestational diabetes which can occur in pregnancy.<\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Type 1 diabetes<\/strong> is caused by an autoimmune reaction (meaning that the body attacks the cells of the pancreas) resulting in\u00a0 pancreas being unable\u00a0 to make insulin. People with type 1 are usually diagnosed in childhood or adolescence and need to take insulin every day for the rest of their lives to live, as currently there\u2019s no cure for it. Around 10% of people who are living with diabetes have type 1.<\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Around 90% of people with diabetes have type 2.<\/strong> This is where the body cannot use insulin effectively and therefore can\u2019t keep blood glucose levels in a range that doesn’t do damage. Type 2 develops over years and is usually diagnosed in adults. It\u2019s important to have your blood glucose checked if you\u2019re at risk of type 2 diabetes or have any symptoms (however symptoms are rare or with very late diagnosis). Type 2 can in many cases be prevented or delayed by making changes to your lifestyle.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Risk factors for type 2 diabetes<\/strong><\/b><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Many of the risk factors for developing type 2 diabetes apply to both men and women. Some of them can be changed; others cannot.<\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Modifiable<\/strong><\/b> (changeable) risk factors include:<\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n