Diabetes is a
disease that causes a wide range of symptoms. But some of these symptoms are
more well-known than others. A lesser known, but still fairly common symptom of
diabetes is bladder problems. Those with diabetes often have issues with their
bladder, which can go unnoticed for months. These bladder problems are often
caused by problems with the muscles and the nerves that control the bladder.
Overactive Bladder
People with
diabetes often develop an overactive bladder. The main symptom of an overactive
bladder is frequent urination. If you have an overactive bladder, you will
often urinate more than eight times per day, and you will have to get up during
the night to visit the bathroom.
Other symptoms
of an overactive bladder include a sudden and strong urge to urinate and urine
leakage after this sudden urge. Diabetes causes an overactive bladder because
it can damage the nerves that control your bladder.
You can treat an
overactive bladder. Your physician may suggest exercises to strengthen the
muscles that allow you to hold in urine. A health care professional may also be
able to provide you with medication and other treatment options.
Urine Retention
People with
diabetes can also have issues with urine retention. As diabetes can damage the
nerves that control bladder function, sometimes the muscles don’t get the
message from the nerves that the bladder is full and that it needs to be
emptied. Also, the muscles can become too weak to fully empty the bladder.
When the bladder
retains too much urine, it can cause the urine to back up and put more pressure
on the urinary system. As a result it could cause damage to the kidneys. Urine
retention can also contribute to urine leakage and if it remains in the body
too long, it can lead to a urinary tract infection.
The cause of
bladder problems in people with diabetes can be quite complex to determine, as
these bladder problems can occur in those who do not have diabetes. So, that’s
why it’s important to see a doctor to determine the cause of the problem and to
determine the right treatment.