Ways Blood Sugar Levels Affect Both Eggs and Sperm, Expert Explains

Did you know that maintaining balanced blood sugar levels isn’t just important for preventing diabetes? It also plays a critical role in fertility for both men and women. In an exclusive interaction with the editorial team of Onlymyhealth, our expert explained that poor glucose control can affect the quality of eggs, sperm, hormone regulation, and even the success of conception. Read ahead to know how.

According to Dr Pramod Madhukar Yerne, Fertility Specialist, Birla Fertility & IVF, Nagpur, "High levels of sugar in the blood create oxidative stress in the body which damages reproductive cells and disrupts hormonal balance. This could lower the chances of getting pregnant, while in other cases, it may lead to pregnancy complications.

Ways Blood Sugar Levels Affect Both Eggs and Sperm

Here's a closer look at how blood sugar impacts fertility for both men and women:

1. How High Blood Sugar Affects Eggs

In women, stable blood sugar is important for ovulation and good egg quality. High levels of glucose can lead to hormonal imbalances, especially in insulin and androgens (male hormones that are also found in females). This interferes with regular egg release, resulting in irregular or no ovulation.

"Conditions like Polycystic Ovary Syndrome, or PCOS, are directly related to insulin resistance. With high levels of insulin, this triggers excessive androgen production, interfering with the menstrual cycle and the maturation of the eggs,” said Dr Yerne.

Also read: World Diabetes Day 2025: Diabetic? Expert Shares Tips To Boost Your Odds of a Healthy Pregnancy

Prolonged hyperglycemia tends to deteriorate the DNA of the eggs over time, leading to problems with their viability and further reducing the chances of fertilisation or healthy pregnancy.

Poor glucose control might also affect the uterine environment and diminish the chances of successful implantation, even in the case of fertilisation.

2. How Blood Sugar Affects Sperm Quality

Men are not an exception to these blood sugar fluctuations. High glucose levels may impede sperm count, motility, and morphology. The oxidative stress brought forth by elevated sugar damages sperm DNA and increases the risk of mutations that may contribute to infertility or miscarriage.

"Men with poorly controlled diabetes often show reduced testosterone levels, erectile dysfunction, and low sperm motility. The damage is not only structural but functional, meaning sperm may lose their ability to fertilise the egg effectively,”  Dr Yerne added.

Additionally, insulin resistance can lead to obesity, which is another major influencing factor in altering sperm health due to hormonal changes and increased body temperature around the testes.

3. Blood Sugar, Hormones and Reproductive Health

Normal blood sugar levels ensure that the sensitive hormonal balance needed for conception is maintained. Insulin interacts with hormones such as oestrogen, progesterone, and testosterone, all of which are highly essential for fertility.

“When insulin is consistently too high or too low, it disrupts the feedback loop between the brain and reproductive organs. This can lead to irregular cycles, poor egg release, or reduced sperm production,”  Dr Yerne explained.

Chronic stress, inadequate nutrition, and lack of exercise often exacerbate insulin resistance, making hormonal imbalances all the more severe.

Also Read: Understanding Genetic Vs. Lifestyle Factors In Childhood Diabetes

4. Improving Blood Sugar for Better Fertility

Dr Yerne added that there’s still hope, lifestyle changes help in achieving better fertility through optimising blood sugar. Here’s what he suggested:

• Nutrient Intake: Include whole grains, lean proteins, vegetables, and healthy fats. Limit refined sugar and processed foods.
• Stay Active: Exercise on a regular basis as this improves insulin sensitivity, while also generally evening out hormonal levels.
• Manage Stress: Chronic stress increases cortisol levels, which in turn can worsen insulin resistance and reproductive hormone imbalance.
• Maintain a Healthy Weight: Underweight and overweight people are at risk for fertility problems associated with glucose metabolism.
• Monitor Blood Sugar: Regular follow-ups can help in monitoring glucose trends and making necessary lifestyle or medical adjustments.

Bottomline

Healthy blood sugar levels are essential for overall well-being and reproductive success. Men and women can improve their fertility and increase their potential for conception by managing glucose through diet, exercise, and medical guidance.