Urinary Incontinence in Women with Type 1 Diabetes

August 22, 2021

By Janet Firestone

A recent study published by Diabetes Care discovered that there are increased odds of female urinary incontinence and sexual dysfunction associated with specific measures of cardiovascular (CV) autonomic neuropathy.

CV autonomic neuropathy is a condition in which structures of the cardiovascular system, like the heart and blood vessels, are affected by diabetes, thus causing disturbances in their normal functions. For example, the heart rate might not increase appropriately to support exercise and or might not return to a resting rate after exercise (i.e. “exercise intolerance”).

Other symptoms of CV autonomic neuropathy can include the following:

• Urinary problems, such as difficulty starting urination, urinary incontinence, difficulty sensing a full bladder and inability to completely empty the bladder, which can lead to urinary tract infections.
• Sexual difficulties
• Dizziness and fainting
• Difficulty digesting food
• Sweating abnormalities
• Sluggish pupil reaction
• Exercise intolerance

The study looked at 580 women who all have Type 1 diabetes. Urinary incontinence was observed in 30% of those women. There were 53% increased odds of having urinary incontinence when cardiovascular autonomic neuropathy was also present.

How to live with diabetic incontinence

There are a variety of medical conditions that have urinary incontinence as a symptom. Tranquility Products cares deeply about the quality of life for those suffering from medical conditions. Our products are carefully designed to meet the needs of those who use them.

Women who have urinary incontinence as a result of type 1 diabetes are most likely to experience one of the following:

• Urge incontinence: leakage of urine that follows a sudden, strong urge to urinate
• Overflow incontinence: leakage of urine when the bladder is full and does not empty properly

Neither of these cases involve a complete loss of bladder control, meaning that our light to moderate protection products would be an appropriate solution:

• TrimShield® Pads – Light protection with a moisture-proof backing and adhesive strip
• Adjustable Belted Undergarments – Can be worn inside of underwear or in place of them
• Adult Liners – To be worn in regular underwear
• Personal Care Pads – Gentle elastics form a cup shape that enables a secure fit

There’s no need to commit to a full package up front; order a sample and discover the best products to manage your needs! Learn more in our guide to the different types of adult diapers.

Resources:

Diabetes Care: http://care.diabetesjournals.org/content/early/2016/06/22/dc16-0059

Endocrinology Advisor: http://www.endocrinologyadvisor.com/diabetes/cv-autonomic-neuropathy-and-sexual-dysfunction-incontinence-in-type-1-diabetes/article/509506/

National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases: https://www.niddk.nih.gov/health-information/health-topics/Diabetes/sexual-urologic-problems-diabetes/Pages/index.aspx

SciELO: http://www.scielo.br/scielo.php?pid=s0066-782×2008000400014&script=sci_arttext&tlng=en

Mayo Clinic: http://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/autonomic-neuropathy/basics/symptoms/con-20029053

National Council for Aging Care: http://www.aging.com/guide-to-dialysis-and-kidney-disease/