Diabetes and Bladder Problems

Many people have both diabetes and bladder problems. People with diabetes and bladder problems may experience overactive bladder, neurogenic bladder, and urinary tract infections. Those with diabetes and bladder problems can lower their risk by keeping their blood glucose, blood pressure, and cholesterol close to the target numbers recommended by their doctor.

 

Diabetes and Bladder Problems: An Introduction

Troublesome bladder symptoms and changes in sexual function (see Diabetes and Sex) are common health problems people encounter as they age. Having diabetes can mean early onset and increased severity of these problems.
 
Common bladder problems that occur more often in people with diabetes include:
 
  • Overactive bladder
  • Neurogenic bladder (bladder problems associated with nerve damage)
  • Urinary tract infections (UTIs).
     
By keeping your diabetes under control, you can lower your risk of bladder problems.
 

Diabetes and Bladder Problems: Overactive Bladder

Bladder problems can have a profound effect on quality of life.
 Diabetes can damage the nerves that control bladder function. Men and women with diabetes commonly have bladder symptoms that may include:
 
  • A feeling of urinary urgency
  • Frequency
  • Getting up at night to urinate often
  • Leakage of urine (incontinence).
     
These symptoms have been called overactive bladder (or urge incontinence).
 
(Diabetes and Bladder Problems Continued: Page 2)
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Written by/reviewed by: Arthur Schoenstadt, MD
Last reviewed by: Arthur Schoenstadt, MD
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