High prevalence of diabetes in UAE linked to infertility and miscarriage

On the occasion of World Diabetes Day, Bourn Hall Fertility Centre, Dubai, organizes a three-day free screening campaign from 14^th to 16^th November for fertility-linked diabetes

• 70 percent of women who have PCOS are insulin resistant

• Chances of a miscarriage in Diabetic women are between 30 percent and 60 percent.

• Diabetes is one of the main causes behind otherwise unexplained infertility cases, increases the risk of miscarriage, birth defects and gestational diabetes among other complications.

November 11, 2017, Dubai, UAE: Diabetes is one of the main causes behind otherwise unexplained infertility cases, it increases the likelihood of miscarriage, heightens the risk of birth defects and gestational diabetes among other complications. The disease affects both men and women, seriously interfering with their chances of conceiving. PCOS, for instance – the number one cause of infertility in women – is particularly related to Type 1 diabetes. For those suffering from Type 2, infertility could be affected by large swings of insulin levels – resulting from insulin injections – that places extra stress on ovaries. Similarly, for a diabetic women the chances of a miscarriage can be anywhere between 30 percent and 60 percent. In men, high glucose levels can potentially cause DNA damage to the sperm that can inhibit pregnancy, besides other reproductive issues.

In order to address the rising levels of diabetes among the UAE residents and its direct impact on fertility issues, Bourn Hall Fertility Centre, Dubai, has organized a three-day screening campaign from 14^th to 16^th of November. Visitors can get themselves tested for random blood sugar, blood pressure and BMI to take stock of their sugar levels and reproductive health.

One in five couples in the UAE is struggling with infertility, with an increasing number of younger couples facing the issue.

In the UAE, around 1.5 million people are likely to be affected by diabetes, and as per a last year’s news report, the cases have risen by 35 percent since 2014. The disease is now being diagnosed in young people as well – even teenagers – particularly Type II diabetes.

“Diabetes is no longer an ailment of the elderly, and an increasing number of young people are being affected by it. At the same time we are seeing a number of young couples under the age of 35 facing fertility issues. This is no coincidence,” said Dr David Robertson, Group Medical Head of Bourn Hall International, “It’s now medically proven that diabetes can seriously effect people’s reproductive health, a fact that people are generally unaware of. Take PCOS for example: around 70 percent of women who have PCOS are insulin resistant, which increases risk of diabetes. In young women suffering from PCOS,the high level of insulin can give birth to hormones such testosterone, which causes infertility issues.”

In men, diabetes can cause erectile dysfunction, retrograde ejaculation, -- where semen backs up into the bladder, making it impossible to get to the woman’s reproductive organs – and reduced sperm quality.

“This is why it is essential that couples planning to start a family should be tested for the condition prior to conceiving to counter potential infertility issues,” added Dr Robertson.

For the three-day camp, UAE residents can visit Bourn Hall Fertility Centre, Dubai from 8am to 6pm.

For more information, please contact:

Toll Free: 800-IVF (483)

Tel. +971 4 705 5055

Fax. +971 4 705 5056