Prediabetes is a metabolic condition in which blood sugar levels are higher than normal but not yet high enough to be classified as diabetes. It’s a warning sign that the body is struggling to regulate blood sugar effectively. Lifestyle changes at this stage can often prevent the progression to full-blown diabetes.
Prediabetes is alarmingly prevalent. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), more than 88 million American adults have prediabetes, and 84% of them are unaware of their condition. This raises concerns about its potential impact on various aspects of health, including fertility.
What is prediabetes, and why is it a problem for men?
When blood glucose levels are higher than normal but not yet high enough to be classified as either type 1 or type 2 diabetes, a person is said to have prediabetes. The American Diabetes Association advises that weight loss and lifestyle changes like increased exercise and different dietary choices can help to lower blood glucose levels to the nondiabetic range. Blood glucose levels above 100 mg/dl at fasting and 126 mg/dl two hours after a meal are considered to be in the diabetic range.
Male participants who had engaged in unprotected sexual activity for 12 months but had not produced a child were evaluated
In a cross-sectional study of 744 men, prediabetes was defined as blood glucose levels between 100 and 125 milligrams per deciliter (mg/dl) while fasting, blood glucose levels between 140 and 199 mg/dl two hours after consuming 75 grams of glucose, or an average blood glucose reading, known as a hemoglobin A1C reading, of at least 5.7 percent. After 12 months of unprotected sex, they too reported no pregnancies.
Male health and fertility are affected by prediabetes
Having prediabetes is a warning indicator that you may eventually develop type 2 diabetes, so it should be taken seriously. Prediabetes is more common in those who, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, exhibit any of the following characteristics:
● overweight relative to your height
● aged roughly 45 and up
● having a close relative who suffers from type 2 diabetes
● a weekly exercise routine of less than three sessions
● history of gestational diabetes or previous large-for-gestational-weight baby delivery
● including people of African descent, Hispanic descent, Native American descent, Pacific Islander descent, and some Asian American descent
How does prediabetes affect sperm quality and fertility?
Dr. Boeri from the urology unit at San Raffaele Hospital and the urology department at the University of Milan explains that the study wasn’t meant to explain the causal link between prediabetes and sperm damage, but it did show for the first time the negative association between a prediabetes status and the impaired hormonal, metabolic, and seminal profiles of infertile men. Changes in testicular metabolism have been linked to the decreased insulin and glucose metabolism and oxidative stress that characterize prediabetes.
Who experiences pre-diabetic infertility?
Prediabetes was shown to be more prevalent in older men, those with aberrant follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH) levels, and those with a cluster of problems including low sperm density, low sperm counts, and sperm that didn’t travel smoothly.
Time for a medical exam and fertility planning
If a man and his partner have been trying to conceive for over six months and she is 35 or older, or for over a year and she is younger than 35, he should discuss with his doctor the possibility that prediabetes is a contributing factor to their inability to conceive.
Infertility diagnostics often include glucose metabolism testing
According to Boeri’s research, the study outlines the importance of a glucose metabolism investigation during every basic infertility evaluation. Prediabetes is widespread, especially among infertile men; however, it is often misdiagnosed. Given the clinical significance of prediabetes, especially in light of the potential risk it poses to future male health and the urgency of intervening as early as feasible in relatively young people, our findings are noteworthy.
The link between prediabetes and male fertility
Sperm health and prediabetes
Recent studies have started to shed light on the connection between prediabetes and sperm health. It appears that high blood sugar levels can adversely affect sperm quality and function. Here are some key findings:
- Reduced sperm count: Prediabetic individuals may experience a decrease in sperm count, which is a crucial factor in male fertility.
- Impaired sperm motility: Sperm need to be agile swimmers to reach and fertilize the egg. Prediabetes can impair sperm motility, making it harder for them to reach their destination.
- DNA damage: High blood sugar levels can lead to oxidative stress, causing DNA damage in sperm. This can result in fertility issues and even increase the risk of birth defects in offspring.
Hormonal imbalance
Prediabetes can also disrupt hormonal balance in the body, affecting the production of testosterone, a hormone crucial for male reproductive health. This hormonal imbalance can further contribute to fertility problems.
Mitigating the risks
Lifestyle changes
Prediabetes is often reversible with adjustments in diet and exercise. The following are some precautions you can take to protect your fertility:
- Dietary modifications: Adopt a balanced diet rich in whole grains, fruits, vegetables, and lean proteins while limiting sugar and processed food intake.
- Regular exercise: Engage in regular physical activity to help regulate blood sugar levels and maintain a healthy weight.
- Management of stress: Persistent stress can exacerbate diabetes. Learn to unwind with some yoga or meditation.
- Consult a healthcare professional: If you suspect you have prediabetes, seek guidance from a healthcare provider. They can recommend tailored interventions and monitor your progress.
Prediabetes is not just a precursor to diabetes but also a potential threat to male fertility. The link between high blood sugar levels and impaired sperm health is becoming increasingly evident. However, by making lifestyle changes and seeking medical advice, individuals with prediabetes can take proactive steps to protect their reproductive health.