Trying to Conceive with Diabetes? Here’s What Fertility Specialists Want You to Know
Trying to conceive with diabetes is absolutely possible, but diabetes can affect your reproductive health in ways that are helpful to understand early on. Knowing how blood sugar and hormonal changes play a role can empower you to prepare your body, ask the right questions, and seek support sooner rather than later.
Below, we break down what fertility specialists want you to know as you begin trying to conceive (TTC) with diabetes.
How Diabetes Can Affect Fertility
Reproductive hormones are sensitive to shifts in overall metabolic health. For people with diabetes, this means changes in blood sugar and insulin can disrupt the hormonal balance needed for healthy ovulation and sperm function.
For Women
When blood sugar remains high, the body starts responding less effectively to insulin, the hormone that moves glucose into your cells. To keep up, the pancreas releases more insulin than usual. Over time, this excess insulin can disrupt the hormonal signals that support healthy, predictable ovulation, which can lead to irregular or absent menstrual cycles. Even if your periods are regular, elevated glucose levels can affect egg development and early embryo implantation.
For Men
Diabetes can influence male fertility as well. High blood sugar may affect:
- Testosterone levels
- Sperm count, shape, and sperm DNA
- Erectile function and ejaculation
Managing blood sugar and addressing any urologic concerns early can improve fertility outcomes for male partners.
Preparing Your Body for Pregnancy: Preconception Health
If you're planning on getting pregnant, focusing on your preconception health can improve your chances of conceiving and supporting a healthy pregnancy from the start.
Aim for a Healthy A1C
An A1C test measures your average blood sugar levels over the past 2–3 months. For most people planning pregnancy, specialists recommend striving for an A1C below 6%, although your provider may individualize your target.
Getting blood sugar into a healthy range before conception reduces the risk of:
- Fertility challenges
- Miscarriage
- Birth defects
- Pregnancy-related complications
Review Medications
Some diabetes medications and other prescriptions aren’t recommended during pregnancy. Before TTC, schedule a preconception visit to review:
Insulin regimens
Oral diabetes medications
Blood pressure meds
Cholesterol medications
Supplements
Never stop medications without medical guidance—your care team will help you adjust safely.
Check In on General Wellness
Additionally, fertility specialists often recommend:
- Nutrition: Eating balanced meals with plenty of fiber, lean proteins, and whole grains helps stabilize blood sugar and support reproductive hormone balance.
- Exercise: Regular physical activity improves insulin sensitivity and has been shown to support more consistent ovulation.
- Healthy Weight: Reaching and maintaining a weight that supports metabolic health can improve fertility outcomes for people with diabetes.
Focusing on these foundations strengthens your overall health and creates a more supportive environment for pregnancy.
Start Your Pregnancy With the Right Support
Managing diabetes while trying to conceive requires some extra preparation, but it doesn’t have to feel overwhelming. With strong blood-sugar control, a preconception checkup, and support from a fertility specialist, many individuals and couples successfully grow their families.
If you’re thinking about TTC and managing diabetes, the team at Washington Fertility Center is here to help. Connect with us today for personalized guidance to set a strong foundation for a healthy pregnancy and a smoother fertility journey.