Can Diabetes Cause Incontinence?

If you have diabetes, you may be wondering if the condition can cause incontinence. Diabetes is a disease that affects how your body processes blood sugar, and it can lead to a number of serious health complications. Incontinence is the involuntary leakage of urine or feces, and it can be a very embarrassing and inconvenient problem. While diabetes does not directly cause incontinence, the two conditions are often linked because diabetes can cause nerve damage.

One of the complications of diabetes is neuropathy, or damage to the nerves. This damage can occur in different parts of the body, including the bladder. When the nerves that control the bladder are damaged, they may not be able to send signals to the brain that tell the body when it is time to urinate. As a result, you may urinate more frequently or unexpectedly leak urine when you cough or sneeze.

Incontinence can also be caused by nerve damage in the anal area. This type of nerve damage is called anal sphincter incontinence, and it can cause fecal incontinence, or leakage of stool. The anal sphincter is a muscle that controls bowel movements, and when it is damaged, it may not be able to stay closed. This can cause leakage of stool when you cough, laugh, or exert yourself physically.

If you have diabetes and are dealing with incontinence, there are treatments that can help. For urinary incontinence, medications called anticholinergics may be prescribed to relax the bladder muscles and decrease urinary frequency. Pelvic floor muscle exercises may also be recommended to strengthen the muscles around the bladder and help control urination. For fecal incontinence, medications may be prescribed to bulk up stool and make bowel movements more regular. Surgery is also an option for some people with anal sphincter incontinence.

If you have diabetes, you may experience nerve damage that can lead to urinary or fecal incontinence. While diabetes does not directly cause incontinence, the two conditions are often linked because diabetes can cause nerve damage. If you are dealing with incontinent issues, there are treatments that can help, so talk to your doctor about your options.