Diabetes and fertility
Diabetes Health Matters with Dr Joan St John
24/04/2025, 18:30 BST
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In this episode
What’s the impact of diabetes on fertility? Perhaps more than you think.
Listen to Dr Joan St John and our expert guest Dr Isioma Dianne Okolo, Consultant Obstetrician & Gynaecologist, for a focused conversation on how diabetes and insulin resistance can affect fertility in both men and women by impacting sperm and egg quality, hormone balance, and increasing the risk of conditions such as PCOS, obesity, erectile dysfunction and female sexual dysfunction. They’ll also explore what steps to take before and after a positive pregnancy test to support the best possible outcomes.
Plus, we’ll debunk some common misconceptions:
- “Fertility is just a woman’s responsibility.”
- “If the man’s blood sugar is elevated, it doesn’t affect fertility.”
- “Modifying my lifestyle after pregnancy is sufficient.”
Whether you’re contemplating starting a family whilst living with diabetes, supporting someone who is, or working in healthcare, this event is one you shouldn’t miss.
Disclaimer: Eli Lilly and Company has provided sponsorship to Diabetes Africa to support the costs of running ‘Diabetes Health Matters’. Eli Lilly and Company has not had any input into the programme content for this event series or selection of speakers.
Featured experts
Dr Joan St John
GPwER Diabetes, Central London Community Healthcare NHS Trust, UK
Dr Joan St John is a General Practitioner (GP) with special interest in diabetes, and is currently working as GP Clinical lead in Diabetes for an area of North-West London, UK. She also works as part of the multi-disciplinary award-winning Brent Integrated Diabetes Service. Summary
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Further information
With ‘Diabetes Health Matters’, Dr Joan St John shares her lifetime experience caring for people from many different backgrounds and origins to tackle the hottest topics encountered through her practice. Dr St John brings together people with lived experience, healthcare professionals and other experts for a series of meetings focused particularly on African and Caribbean health. But the information you will hear about is universal and can be used by anyone.
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