Diabetes and Incontinence
What is Diabetes?
Diabetes is a metabolic condition where blood sugar levels become higher than normal, leading to a variety of health issues. It occurs when the pancreas fails to produce enough, or any, insulin, which is essential for moving glucose into the body’s cells. This results in a build-up of sugar in the bloodstream, a common hallmark of diabetes.
Types of Diabetes:
Diabetes is classified into three main types:
- Prediabetes – where blood sugar levels are elevated but not high enough to be diagnosed as diabetes.
- Type 1 diabetes – an autoimmune condition where the body’s immune system attacks and destroys insulin-producing cells in the pancreas.
- Type 2 diabetes – where the body either doesn’t produce enough insulin or its cells don’t respond effectively to insulin (insulin resistance).
For more information on diabetes, visit the NHS website.
How Diabetes Contributes to Incontinence
Diabetes, particularly when poorly controlled, can increase the risk of incontinence. There are several key ways in which this happens:
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Weight and Pelvic Floor Strain
Excess weight, which is a common risk factor for Type 2 diabetes, puts additional pressure on the pelvic floor muscles. These muscles support the bladder and bowel, and when weakened, they may not function properly, leading to stress or urge incontinence. -
Nerve Damage (Diabetic Neuropathy)
High glucose levels can cause nerve damage, known as diabetic neuropathy. This can affect the bladder and bowel, reducing sensation and the awareness of needing to empty them. This lack of control can result in urinary or faecal incontinence, and may also increase the risk of urinary tract infections (UTIs) due to incomplete emptying. -
Medication Side Effects
Many medications prescribed for diabetes, particularly those that regulate blood sugar levels, can contribute to incontinence. These medications help the body remove excess glucose through urine, but in doing so, they may irritate the bladder, leading to an overactive bladder or frequent urges to urinate. -
High Blood Sugar and UTIs
Persistently high blood sugar levels create an ideal environment for frequent urinary tract infections, which can exacerbate incontinence symptoms. UTIs can lead to an overactive bladder, increasing the urgency and frequency of urination.
Managing Incontinence with Diabetes
Managing diabetes effectively can help alleviate incontinence symptoms. Here are a few key strategies that may improve bladder and bowel control:
- Maintain a Healthy Weight: Reducing excess body weight can ease the strain on the pelvic floor muscles and improve overall bladder control.
- Healthy Diet and Regular Exercise: A balanced diet and regular physical activity can help regulate blood sugar levels, which is essential for managing both diabetes and incontinence.
- Medication Review: If your diabetic medications are contributing to incontinence, speak with your GP. They may be able to adjust your treatment plan to reduce these side effects.
It’s important to discuss any incontinence issues with your GP or a healthcare professional, particularly if you have diabetes. With the right management, both diabetes and incontinence can be controlled, allowing you to lead a healthy, independent life.
Bladder and bowel incontinence may be caused by conditions which can be treated medically. Please consult your physician for medical advice and guidance.
Resources:
- https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/diabetes/
- https://www.bladderandbowel.org/associated-illness/diabetes-incontinence/
- https://www.healthline.com/health/type-2-diabetes-life-expectancy
