Research: Correcting blood sugar levels can improve obesity-related fertility issues

According to a new study, reproductive hormone levels in obese females may be partially restored by lowering blood glucose levels, leading to improved fertility.

The findings of the study were published in the Journal of Endocrinology. The study indicates that altered levels of reproductive hormones in a well-established mouse model of obesity may be partially restored by a common type 2 diabetes medication that reduces blood glucose levels.

Many women with obesity that experience fertility issues also have altered levels of reproductive hormones. Currently, there is no effective therapy to address this. The development of a therapy that not only improves women's metabolic health but also treats obesity-related infertility would be a significant advancement, with the potential to improve many people's quality of life.

Although fertility problems are well established in women with obesity, there remains a lack of effective and targeted treatments to address them.

Obesity is a growing health epidemic, which means more women are being affected by reproductive difficulties.

Obesity-related fertility issues are complex but evidence suggests that, in part, they may be linked to changes in energy metabolism, which lead to altered levels of reproductive hormones that can then disrupt the menstrual cycle and ovulation.

People with obesity are at a greater risk of developing type 2 diabetes and often have high blood glucose levels, as well as other metabolic changes.