According to the Centers for Disease Control, more than 12% of women of childbearing age struggle with infertility. There are a number of causes of infertility, says women’s health expert Marla Ahlgrimm. Diabetes, while not often linked with reproductive issues, may contribute to some cases.
According to Marla Ahlgrimm, women with both type I and type II diabetes have a slightly shortened window of fertility. Diabetes may extend the onset of menses and can trigger premature menopause. Additionally, diabetes often goes hand-in-hand with polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS), a condition associated with reproductive issues. PCOS is common in in women with type II diabetes as the condition is known to trigger insulin resistance. Insulin resistance essentially means the body’s insulin levels are elevated, which will negatively affect ovulation.
In order to further understand the link between diabetes and infertility, Marla Ahlgrimm notes that we must look at what causes diabetes in the first place. Adults diagnosed with type II diabetes, a condition triggered by a poor diet and linked to obesity, may have higher instances of infertility for other reasons. Having a body mass index of 30 puts a woman at a higher risk for infertility as well as miscarriage and pregnancy complications, says Marla Ahlgrimm. The National Institutes Of Health report that weight loss often provides women with more favorable reproductive outcomes.
Since obesity and diabetes are associated with poor food choices, Marla Ahlgrimm suggest starting at the dinner table before resorting to drastic infertility treatments. She explains that the body needs specific conditions in order for pregnancy to thrive. Reducing sugar intake and avoiding trans fat while trying to conceive may help. Eating trans fats can further increase insulin resistance.
A diet rich in protein and complex carbohydrates along with dietary fiber and other vital nutrients is essential for women trying to conceive and will also help mitigate the effects of diabetes and other health conditions, says Marla Ahlgrimm.