Influence of Diabetes Mellitus on Seminal Parameters and Sperm DNA Fragmentation in Infertile Men
Keywords:
Diabetes Mellitus; Sperm DNA fragmentation; Male infertility; diabetes mellitus; sperm DNA fragmentation; male infertility.Abstract
Introduction: Diabetes mellitus is a chronic disease with a significant effect on male reproductive function.
Objective: To evaluate the influence of diabetes mellitus on basic semen parameters and sperm DNA fragmentation in infertile men treated at the Hermanos Ameijeiras Hospital.
Methods: A retrospective, cross-sectional, analytical-comparative, observational study was conducted between January 2018 and December 2024 in 60 infertile men (30 diabetic group and 30 non-diabetic group). Demographic and clinical characteristics, lifestyle factors, basic semen parameters, and DNA fragmentation index were analyzed.
Results: Statistically significant differences were found in age, body mass index, and glycated hemoglobin. Diabetic men presented with lower semen volume (2.2 mL vs. 3.3 mL, p = 0.046), lower sperm concentration (19.8 vs. 40.6 million/mL, p = 0.018), and lower rates of normal morphology (12.0 % vs. 19.0 %, p = 0.032). They also showed greater sperm DNA fragmentation (32.8 % vs. 22.8 %, p < 0.001) and a higher percentage of high fragmentation index sperm (60.0 % vs. 16.7 %, p = 0.038). Glycated hemoglobin was strongly associated with DNA fragmentation (ρ = 0.65, p < 0.001), and diabetes mellitus was an independent risk factor (OR = 3.87, p = 0.004). Poor metabolic control (glycated hemoglobin > 9 %) was associated with increased sperm fragmentation (36.2 %, p < 0.001).
Conclusions: Diabetes mellitus negatively affects male fertility, not only through alterations in basic semen parameters but also through increased sperm DNA damage.
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