A recent unfortunate incident came to light when Sheldon Aranjo, a diabetes patient with incontinence issues, found himself in an embarrassing situation due to a severe lack of washroom facilities at the Bryan Adams Concert. “I PAID to PEE (in my pants) at the Bryan Adams concert,” he wrote, tagging Zomato CEO Deepinder Goyal and the organisers. Aranjo faced major inconvenience due to the lack of toilets at the concert venue.
Apart from the organizer's lack of provision, another condition that intrigues people is urine incontinence in diabetics. Let's learn more about it.
Diabetes is a chronic condition that affects how the body regulates blood sugar (glucose). Over time, if not well-controlled, diabetes can lead to complications, including issues with the urinary system. One such problem is incontinence, which refers to the involuntary leakage of urine. If the link between urination and diabetes is understood, it can help people to manage it better.
Why does diabetes cause incontinence?
There are several reasons why people with diabetes may develop incontinence:
Nerve damage (Diabetic neuropathy): High blood sugar levels over time can damage the nerves that control the bladder. This can result in an overactive bladder, causing frequent urges to urinate. It can also cause a weakened ability to sense when the bladder is full, leading to leakage.
Weakened pelvic muscles: Diabetes can weaken the muscles in the pelvic area, which play a key role in controlling urination.
Urinary tract infections (UTIs): People with diabetes are more prone to UTIs due to high glucose levels in their urine, which can irritate the bladder and cause leakage.
Obesity: Many individuals with type 2 diabetes also struggle with obesity, which puts additional pressure on the bladder and can lead to stress incontinence.
Excessive urine production: Diabetes can cause the kidneys to produce more urine as the body tries to flush out excess sugar, leading to increased frequency and risk of incontinence.
Precautions diabetic individuals can take
While incontinence can be challenging, there are steps diabetic individuals can take to manage or reduce the risk:
Control blood sugar levels: Keeping blood sugar levels within the target range is crucial. This helps prevent nerve and muscle damage that can contribute to incontinence.
Stay active: Regular physical activity strengthens pelvic muscles and helps manage weight, reducing pressure on the bladder.
Practice bladder training: This might sound bizarre but try to schedule your toilet time. Gradually increase the time between bathroom visits to train the bladder to hold more urine.
Do pelvic floor exercises: Exercises can strengthen the muscles that control urination, reducing leakage.
Stay hydrated (but monitor fluid intake): Drink enough water to stay hydrated, but avoid excessive fluid intake or beverages that irritate the bladder, like caffeine and alcohol.
Seek medical advice: If incontinence persists, consult a healthcare professional. They may recommend medications, physical therapy, or other treatments tailored to your needs.