Diabetes and Incontinence: What You Need to Know

January 14, 2015

In the United States, it’s estimated that about 95 percent of all people who have diabetes have Type 2 diabetes. Type 2 diabetes is a condition where the body either resists insulin, or doesn’t produce enough insulin to maintain normal glucose levels in the body. If left untreated, it can be fatal.

There are many side effects that a person living with Type 2 diabetes may experience, such as weight gain, circulatory issues, and a higher risk of developing skin infections. However, one side effect that many people don’t think about when it comes to Type 2 diabetes is urinary incontinence.

Here’s a closer look at how Type 2 diabetes contributes to urinary incontinence, and what can be done to alleviate such symptoms.

Type 2 Diabetes and Incontinence

The most common way that Type 2 diabetes contributes to urinary incontinence has to do with the additional weight that such people are likely to put on as a result of the condition. This excess weight can put added pressure on the bladder and pelvic floor muscles, which help to control urination. If these muscles aren’t strong enough, something is bound to give – hence, the greater likelihood of experiencing the involuntary leakage of urine. Weakening pelvic floor muscles can also lead to stress incontinence, or urine leakage during coughing, sneezing, or other activities that exert pressure on the body.

Aside from urinary incontinence, people with Type 2 diabetes are also more likely to experience fecal incontinence – also due to the possible weakening of the pelvic floor muscles.

How to Resolve Incontinence Issues

There are a variety of ways that Type 2 diabetes patients can resolve – or manage – urinary incontinence from unhealthy weight gain. The obvious way to do this is to eat right and exercise to get down to a healthier size – although, any exercise regimen should be either supervised or approved by a medical professional. Here are some other ways to solve incontinence issues:

Bladder training: Practicing good bathroom habits (i.e. going when you have to) is an ideal way to keep incontinence at bay, but more ambitious people can actually work to train their bladder over time by strengthening the bladder muscles to kick incontinence symptoms. This can be done through various kegel exercises intended to boost the muscles of the pelvic floor.
Other products: For those wishing to manage incontinence symptoms with a little more help, there are a variety of products to help. Here, we offer a number of options, including our premium womens incontinence panties, which are designed with your comfort in mind. The material is anti-microbial, and eliminates odor and wetness. The same is true of our mens incontinence briefs!

Of the 25 million Americans that experience incontinence, many cases can be attributed to another condition. For many Americans, that condition is Type 2 diabetes.