Wives of diabetics more likely to miscarry: study

London, Jul 11 (UNI) A recent research has found that wives and girlfriends of diabetic men may be more likely to miscarry as a diabetic's sperm is of poorer quality.

Researcher Dr Con Mallidis said, ''What is particularly alarming is that the people who are being diagnosed with type 1 and type 2 diabetes are younger and younger.'' ''As a consequence, we have a much larger population of people who are diabetic during their reproductive years,'' he added.

The researchers from Queen's University, Belfast, said it was likely men with type 2 diabetes, which tends to develop in middle-age and is linked to obesity, would be similarly affected.

Fellow researcher Professor Neil McClure said it was clear that a man's health affected his fertility.

''For too long the role of general health in male fertility has been ignored,'' he said, adding ''Very few centres take a detailed history from the man, concentrating instead on the female.'' ''This basic mistake is understandable but, now, those working in this area must give greater consideration to the male and to ensuring that he is in peak physique and health to maximise the couple's chances of successful conception,'' Prof McClure told the Daily Mail.

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