Urinary Problems and Type 2 Diabetes – A Brief Introduction
Weak bladder symptoms are common in those suffering through various types of diabetes. As a matter of fact one of the most classic type 2 diabetes symptoms is urine problem.
Weak bladder symptoms in those with Type 2 diabetes include sexual function, the urge to urinate, frequency or urination and kidney function. In advanced cases type 2 diabetes symptoms can also include damage to the nerves.
Depending on the gender and the age of the patient, weak bladder symptoms can either be severe (require surgery to manage) or low-risk (can be managed using medication and/or diapers). Either way, a timely diagnosis is vital in finding a urine problem solution.
How Type 2 Diabetes Can Lead to Urinary Challenges
There are broadly four types of urine leakage that type 2 diabetes can lead to.
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BLADDER DYSFUNCTION:
This is one of the most common Type 2 diabetes symptoms, and occurs in over half the patients suffering from it. Common urine problem symptoms in those suffering from bladder dysfunction are as follows:-
Overactive bladder: This is defined as a mistaken or premature urge to pass urine. This happens when the bladder muscles tighten despite the fact that there is little or no pee to discharge.
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Polyuria: Excess urine production–often over 3 litres per day–is a symptom of this condition. When the body's sugar levels rise, this happens. The extra sugar is excreted by the kidney, which draws the urine with it.
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Nocturia: The desire to empty the bladder multiple times during the night is a symptom of this condition.
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Incontinence: This occurs when a part of the urinary system, such as the bladder sphincter, the nerves that connect the bladder to the brain, or a weakening of the pelvic region, causes involuntary urine leaking.
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Bladder damage, thus, at its core is caused by damage to not only the bladder, but also the urethral sphincter. When this sphincter muscle does not open or close properly, it leads to wear bladder symptoms.
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URINARY TRACT INFECTION:
Another common type-2 diabetes symptom is urinary tract infection (UTI). The urethra, bladder, and kidneys may be affected. It may also promote the growth of antibiotic-resistant bacteria. Burning while peeing, scarlet urine, frequent urination, nausea, fever, and even back/side discomfort are all indications of a urinary tract infection (UTI). This happens when high blood sugar offers an ideal environment for bacteria to thrive. -
SEXUAL DYSFUNCTION:
Sexual drive and performance are often affected by the symptoms of a urinary tract infection. Because the nerves and blood vessels that supply or surround the reproductive organs are damaged, this frequently occurs. Sexual dysfuction caused by diabetes can be addressed with lubricants in women and erectile dysfunction medicine in males. -
DIABETIC NEUROPATHY:
This can happen if both types of diabetes are left untreated for an extended period of time. The nephron, the kidney's workhorse, is damaged by diabetes. Over a million nephrons remove waste from blood in each kidney. Waste and poisons accumulate in the bloodstream when this mechanism is disrupted.
Diabetes-led Urination Challenges and Their Key Symptoms
Weak bladder symptoms occur when types of diabetes occur with:
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nerve damage
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untreated high blood pressure
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untreated high blood sugar
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overweight/obese
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lack of physical activity
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smoke / drink too much
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untreated high cholesterol
The following are some of the most common symptoms of type 2 diabetes-related bladder problems:
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Frequency of Urination:
Urination may be required more frequently in those with high blood sugar levels. Even if their diabetes is well controlled, patients may experience an urgent need to urinate, particularly at night. Medication, lifestyle modifications, and the usage of adult dry pants can help with this. -
Leakage of urine:
This occurs when a little amount of urine leaks at all times, posing a serious threat to the sufferer's lifestyle. Diabetes-related nerve damage, bladder infections, and obesity have all been linked to this. Dry pants can be utilised to avoid embarrassing circumstances caused by weak bladder symptoms. Friends Dry Pants are similar to briefs in that they can be worn and discarded easily. They're slim and light, and they're easy to wear with pants and skirts. -
Urine passage issues:
Diabetes might make it difficult to tell when the bladder is full. As a result, having an over-full bladder might cause muscular injury in the area. It also has the potential to loosen the sphincter and induce leakage. Urinary retention for several hours at a time might lead to infection. -
Infections of the bladder:
In people with both forms of diabetes, urinary tract infections are highly prevalent. Keeping glucose levels under control can help you avoid this.
How to Manage Type 2 Diabetes-led Urinary Challenges
The key to managing weak bladder symptoms is by tackling type 2 diabetes symptoms. Managing diabetes can help prevent nerve damage, damage to the kidneys or blood vessels. A few actionable steps include:
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Keeping blood pressure, cholesterol and blood sugar levels low and in check.
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Managing one’s diet and physical activity
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Staying one’s ideal height
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Giving up cigarettes
Diabetes and the issues it causes can often leave a toll on the mind. It is recommended that patients speak to trained counselors or psychologists for methods to cope better with the condition and its symptoms. Reaching out to one’s family for guidance, support and assistance is also advised.
Adult diapers can also help make the diabetes journey easy. “I had stopped going out entirely,” says Ramesh Kedia (name changed), 66, who was diagnosed with diabetes induced stress-incontinence. “When would the drops of urine come and wet my pants I did not know. How could I arrive in public like that? Then one day I saw an ad for Friends dry pants. They were diapers, but looked just like underwear. I bought a small pack and I was like, wow, so comfortable! They also absorb all drops of urine–no smell, no issue. I am happy.
Many such customers like Mr Kedia swear by diapers. they can especially help patients obtain a good, restful night’s sleep.