The Problem
Considering the complex metabolic changes that are required to take place in successful conception, it is not surprising that increased insulin resistance is strongly associated with female infertility, even for females who do not have PCOS (1).  This includes decreased quality of the egg and ovulation as well as increased associated pregnancy-induced complications such as gestational diabetes (2).   For males, increased insulin resistance translates into a reduction in semen quality (3,4). 

The Traditional Medical Approach
In-vitro fertilization is the traditional approach to overcome infertility.  However, it requires two to tango, meaning it requires good quality eggs from the female and healthy sperm quality from the male.  Both are adversely affected by insulin resistance (4).

The Metabolic Engineering® Approach
The goal of Metabolic Engineering® is to reduce insulin resistance by increasing AMPK activity.  Using the Zone diet component of Metabolic Engineering® to restrict calories without hunger or fatigue is the most powerful dietary approach for lowering insulin resistance because of its direct impact on increasing AMPK activity.  The omega-3 fatty acid and polyphenol components of Metabolic Engineering™ are indirect activators of AMPK activity. Thus, combining all three dietary interventions in Metabolic Engineering® provides the optimal approach to maximizing AMPK activity to reduce insulin resistance.

Thus, for both males and females seeking the use of IVF for a successful pregnancy, following Metabolic Engineering® should be considered a dietary requirement to help support better IVF success. 

References

1. Lei R, Chen S, Li W. Advances in the study of the correlation between insulin resistance and infertility.  Front Endocrinol. 2024; 15:1288326. doi: 10.3389/fendo.2024.1288326.

2. Ferrazzi E. and Sears B. eds.  Metabolic Syndrome and Complications of Pregnancy. Springer.  Heidelburg, Germany (2015)

3. Bertoldo MJ, Faure M, Dupont J, Froment P.  AMPK: A master energy regulator for gonadal function.  Front Neurosci. 2015; 9:235. doi: 10.3389/fnins.2015.00235. 

4. Zańko A, Siewko K, Krętowski AJ, Milewski R. Lifestyle, insulin resistance and semen quality as co-dependent factors of male infertility.  Int J Environ Res Public Health. 2022; 20:732. doi: 10.3390/ijerph20010732.