Insulin and Preconception Care: An Overlooked Cause of Infertility
Insulin and Preconception Care: An Overlooked Cause of Infertility
When you’re trying to conceive, you should do your best to educate yourself on some of the most common challenges on that journey. One of the more frequent health complications related to fertility and conception is insulin resistance. In fact, it’s one of the most prevalent culprits of infertility. Even though overweight people have the greatest risk of developing this condition. There are other underlying causes you should be aware of.
For starters, polycystic ovarian syndrome, or PCOS for short is one of those common causes. It tampers with your hormonal balance and can lead to insulin resistance. Type 2 diabetes is another factor to consider, as it is directly linked to insulin resistance. Learning more about the condition and proper care can help you increase your chances of conception. Let’s take a closer look at the impact of insulin resistance and potential treatments.
Spot insulin resistance early on
If you’re not familiar with the common ways in which your body shows resistance to insulin, it can be difficult to treat the condition in time. However, if you spot those symptoms early enough, you can start getting the treatment you need to increase your chances to conceive. Some of the most easily recognizable symptoms are as follows:
- Frequent hunger outside of your normal meal routine
- Lethargy and lack of energy even when you sleep well
- Gaining weight in your midsection, especially around your waist
- Increased blood pressure
- Lack of focus
In case you have been diagnosed with insulin resistance linked to PCOS, you may discover that you suffer from anovulation as well. Having infrequent ovulation (if any) is often linked to PCOS and insulin resistance. It’s also one of those common reasons why a woman cannot conceive. Although it is a complex issue, it is typically treated with lifestyle changes and sometimes medication.
Perfect your nutrition
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When you’re trying to conceive and you need to manage your insulin resistance, your diet plan needs to be optimal. This is one of the first steps you should take to help you lose weight, regulate your insulin production, and provide your body with all the nutrients it needs. Make sure to avoid sugary and overly-processed foods, starchy carbs and replace them with leafy, non-starchy vegetables that won’t put pressure on your pancreas. These veggies are also high in fibre, minerals, and vitamins, making them a great choice for your fertility efforts.
To make sure that your diet is nutrient-dense when you’re trying to conceive, you can rely on a fertility kit that is rich in micronutrients such as folate and iodine to help with conception. When you cut sugar and highly-processed foods and replace them with nutritious goods, you also need to give your body time to recuperate from insulin resistance before you can see results.
Vitamin D and fertility
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Since a typical Western diet is surprisingly low in certain micronutrients, you should check if you have a deficiency. One of the most common deficiencies is that of vitamin D, which is essential for a healthy pregnancy. In fact, it is especially useful for women who suffer from PCOS and insulin resistance. To put things in perspective, studies have shown that women with optimal levels of vitamin D were 34% more likely to conceive. However, physicians warn that it is possible to get a vitamin D overdose, so always follow your doctor’s instructions.
Simply put, if you are looking to get pregnant, you can check for a vitamin D deficiency. Upon discovering whether or not you have the condition, you can introduce more vitamin-D-rich foods in your diet and add supplements. This will help you treat both insulin resistance with the right diet plan, and increase your chances of pregnancy.
Detox from stress
Another major lifestyle change you should consider is reducing your exposure to stress. Studies have shown that there’s a link between stress levels and insulin resistance. Dealing with infertility alone is enough to cause tension and stress, hence the need to make sure you’re more resilient to certain stress triggers.
Look for relaxing activities such as meditation, writing a journal, or physical activity that can help your mind and your body prevent too much stress. Replace unhealthy coping mechanisms such as eating sugary foods with wellness-boosting habits that will help you reduce stress in your life.
Dealing with infertility and increasing your chances to have a baby can be a very challenging moment in your life. Make sure to always have professional medical guidance and that you listen to your body. That way, you can spot early warning signs of any health issues, including insulin resistance, and treat them properly while you’re trying to conceive.
