Lifestyle Changes for Aspiring Parents Facing Diabetes and Infertility
Posted on November 15th, 2024
Individuals with diabetes often experience lower fertility rates compared to those who don’t have it. Conditions like polycystic ovarian syndrome (PCOS), irregular or absent periods, erectile dysfunction, and semen abnormalities are associated with diabetes and generally lead to reduced fertility rates. If you have diabetes and want to conceive, making certain lifestyle changes can improve your chances of having a healthy and successful pregnancy.
1. Maintaining a Balanced Diet
Controlling blood sugar levels is essential for improving diabetes and fertility. High blood sugar can disrupt ovulation cycles in women and reduce sperm count and quality in men. Therefore, it's important to maintain a diet rich in fruits, vegetables, and whole grains to help keep blood sugar levels balanced.
2. Staying Active
Maintaining a healthy weight is crucial for diabetes management. Engaging in thirty minutes of physical activity at least five days a week can help with weight loss and improve blood circulation. Obesity can cause hormonal imbalances and fertility issues, so staying active is essential.
3. Managing Stress
Stress is a normal part of life, particularly for couples trying to conceive. For those with diabetes, high levels of cortisol, the stress hormone, can lead to increased blood sugar levels and disrupt blood sugar management. Elevated cortisol can also cause hormonal disruptions that may impact fertility. You can manage stress by:
- Engaging in mindfulness activities, such as meditation
- Taking time for self-care
- Pursuing a hobby that you enjoy
- Talking to your partner, friends, and family
Learn More About Navigating Diabetes and Infertility
Eating healthy, staying active, and managing stress can help balance blood sugar levels and improve fertility. However, some individuals with diabetes need additional fertility care to successfully conceive. At Aspire HFI, we offer cutting-edge fertility treatments and expertise to help patients grow their families.
Contact us today for more information or to schedule an appointment at our Houston, Willowbrook, Cypress, Katy, Sugar Land, Pearland, The Woodlands, Memorial City, Beaumont, Kingwood, or Clear Lake locations.
