Urological Issues Of Diabetics

With diabetes, the body is unable to properly metabolize the hormone insulin for its use. Insulin enables cells to utilize glucose in the bloodstream for its processes. Without insulin, blood glucose builds up in the vascular system, leading to more complications and health issues.

One major complication is incontinence and other troublesome bladder issues. This complication arises because the higher viscosity of the blood together with the breakdown of undernourished cells lead to blood vessels breaking and death of many nerve endings. The urological system has a network of fine nerves that often become injured because of diabetes. What occurs would be incontinence and even abnormal urine flow because the fine nerves and blood vessels in the area have all been shot because of the condition. The following are the major symptoms of diabetes induced urological health issues:

1. Overactive Bladder. Because of the damaged neurological endings, wrong signals or even delayed signals may be sent to the bladder, causing it to squeeze at the improper time without warning. Symptoms include increased urinary frequency, some even eight or more times a day and more than twice at night, increased urinary urgency or the sudden overpowering need to immediately urinate and incontinence urge or a leakage of urine followed by the urge to pass the contents of the bladder;

2. Poor Muscle Control. The muscles surrounding the urethra are called the sphincter. The urethra is the tube that allows the expulsion of urine from the bladder. When the sphincter tightens, the urine is held back in the bladder. Any damage to this group of muscles would allow leaks or malfunctioning as to needing to expel urine but muscles remain taut.

3. Urine Retention. Nerve damage is the culprit when bladder muscles are unable to properly vacate the bladder. When urine is held back for extended periods of time, the urine may return to the kidneys causing damage to the kidneys. When the bladder is improperly vacated, leaving urine in the bladder, this may become the cause of infection in the bladder.

In order to determine the extent of the urological problems of the diabetic, tests are to be done to determine bladder function as well as x-rays, urodynamic testing to evaluate bladder activity and a cytoscope to view the interior of the bladder. Thus when diagnosed to have diabetes, it is best to determine possible urological issues with your doctor. At the first instance of bladder control problems, have a check up. Also, proper management of glucose levels is key to maintaining proper bladder control and health.

Bobby Castro is the online editor at the Diabetes Forum, where he has published a number of articles about diabetes complications and many other topics.