A recent study compared the sperm of 27 men with type 1 diabetes to the sperm of 29 men of equal age without diabetes.

The researchers found that the sperm of the men with diabetes were healthy in many respects. The shape and abundance of the sperm from type 1 diabetic males were perfectly normal and apparently they were great swimmers. However, when the DNA was examined, there was more damage to the DNA of the diabetic men. Around 52% of the DNA in their sperm cells was fragmented, compared to only 32% in the men without diabetes. There was also a higher rate of deletions in the DNA inside their mitochondria, separate DNA found within each cell. The results of this study suggest type 1 diabetes may cause diabetic men to be less fertile.

However Diabetes Health recognizes that many type 1 dads have healthy children - so the study need not be a decision maker or breaker to pursue fatherhood. Thanks to Diabetes Health for reporting the ongoing pursuit of diabetes health.