Diabetes and incontinence
There are various indicators to support the link between diabetes and incontinence. It has been found in particular, women with diabetes have up to a 70% greater risk of developing urinary incontinence than women without.
This statistic is concerning, given diabetes is the fastest growing chronic condition in Australia.
There are several factors specific to Type 2 diabetes that can cause incontinence
These include:
- Being overweight or obese, which places pressure on the bladder and can lead to urinary frequency or urge incontinence. Excess weight also places strain on pelvic floor muscles.
- Chronically elevated blood glucose levels can result in an increased urine output, frequency or urgency as the glucose molecule pulls fluid into the kidneys.
- Sixty percent of people living with diabetes have some sort of nerve damage and can develop a neurogenic bladder that can affect overall bladder function.
- People living with diabetes also have an increased risk of infections and possible urinary tract infections which could lead to urgency or incontinence.
- Diarrhea or incontinence could be caused by some common diabetic medications such as metformin.
Wearing a continence product to manage leakage can give the wearer security, dignity and increase confidence, especially when exercising or when socially active.
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Independence Australia stocks a range of Continence products.
Watch the video below of Phil who gives us 11 of his best tips for a healthier bladder
By Phil Wilkinson
Urology and Continence Nurse