The effect of glucose and lipid control on sperm parameters: An analysis of 7291 semen samples

Abstract Introduction: The prevalence of diabetes mellitus (DM) continue to increase. DM is known to have adverse effects on male sexual function. We studied the impact of DM on seminal fluid and sperm parameters. Methods: A retrospective, case-control study including semen samples from patients 18 – 65 years of age. Patients with azoospermia, those undergoing hormonal treatment or post-chemotherapy or radiotherapy were excluded. All samples were analysed using Makler counting chamber for the parameters: sperm concentration, semen volume, , motile sperm and morphology according to World Health Organization (WHO) guidelines. Diagnoses of DM and impaired fasting glucose (IFG), body mass index (BMI) and the level of high density lipoproteins (HDL) were retrieved from patients’ computerized medical records. Multivariate modelling for oligozoospermia and asthenozoospermia was undertaken using generalized linear mixed models (GLMMs) with adjusted for age, BMI and smoking. Results: A total of 7,291 semen samples: 336 from DM patients, 276 from men with IFG and 6,679 from patients with normal glycemia. Using the WHO cutoff parameters, we found that men with DM have statistically significant higher rates of low seminal fluid volume (hypospermia), asthenozoospermia and teratozoospermia as compared to men with IFG or normal glucose levels. Using a multivariate model, we DM was an independent risk factor for hypospermia and teratozoospermia (aOR 1.57, 95% CI 1.18-2.10, p=0.002 and aOR 1.68, 95% CI 1.23-2.27, p=0.001, respectively). Conclusion: DM adversely affect sperm parameters. Men should be advised on the harmful effects of abnormal glucose levels as it may impact their compliance