A 32-year-old truck driver in Taiwan developed severe diabetes and fertility issues after drinking bubble tea every day, according to Dr. Lu Yunshan, a family physician at Maosheng Hospital. The man, who had been married for two years without conceiving, was shocked to discover that his fasting blood glucose had reached nearly 680 mg/dL, and his body was almost unable to produce insulin. Alarmingly, medical examinations revealed that his sperm quality was extremely poor, with a high number of DNA fragments, a key factor in infertility.
Dr. Lu explained that due to irregular work hours, the driver often relied on bubble tea to replace meals. After experiencing difficulties conceiving naturally, he sought medical attention and was diagnosed with uncontrolled blood sugar. His HbA1c, a measure of long-term blood sugar control, exceeded 15%, indicating chronic hyperglycemia. Urology tests showed his sperm count and motility had significantly decreased, with DNA fragmentation contributing to infertility.
Medical experts warn that long-term consumption of sugary beverages like bubble tea, combined with a diet high in fats, refined carbs, and heavy seasonings, can overwhelm the body, impair insulin production, and lead to severe diabetes. After receiving insulin therapy, the driver’s blood sugar returned to normal within two months, and his sperm quality gradually stabilized.
Dr. Chen Juanshu, a urologist at Maosheng Hospital, noted that diabetes affects over 10% of Taiwan’s population—roughly 2.5 million people—and is becoming increasingly common among younger adults. Beyond cardiovascular and kidney risks, high blood sugar can damage male reproductive health, causing erectile dysfunction and poor sperm quality. Men with diabetes often have reduced sperm count, low motility, and high DNA fragmentation, which can result in infertility.
Dr. Lu advised couples planning to conceive to maintain stable blood sugar levels, as uncontrolled diabetes not only affects fertility but also poses serious health risks such as ketoacidosis, dehydration, and unconsciousness.
