Diabetes has an adverse effect on all body systems including the urological health. Common urological issues associated with Diabetes are:
- Urinary infections
- Kidney & Bladder Health Conditions
- Sexual disorders
Diabetes can often make existing urological conditions worse as it impacts the blood flow, nerves & sensory function.
How does diabetes affect the bladder?
Nearly 50% of patients with diabetes suffer from bladder dysfunction. It generally involves a broad spectrum of lower urinary tract symptoms including urinary urgency, frequency & incontinence. Bladder instability & hypersensitivity are the most common issues in both male & female diabetic patients.
Studies indicate that diabetes is an important risk factor leading to incontinence in women with nearly 30-100% increased risk. In diabetic men, lower urinary tract symptoms such as urgency, frequency, straining or weak stream are common.
How does diabetes affect sexual function?
Men with diabetes are likely to experience complications such as erectile dysfunction, lower libido, orgasmic dysfunction & retrograde ejaculation. Further, the risk of erectile dysfunction increases in diabetic men with poor glycemic control, duration of diabetes & other associated diabetic complications such as nephropathy or retinopathy.
Women with diabetes are likely to have double the chances of sexual dysfunction as compared to women without diabetes. Further complications associated with diabetes may make sexual dysfunction worse. Female sexual dysfunction may involve disorders of libido, arousal, inhibited orgasm & sexual pain.
How does diabetes affect the urinary tract & genitals?
Research indicates that asymptomatic bacteriuria (ASB) and symptomatic UTIs are more likely to occur in women with diabetes. Further women with Type II diabetes are at an increased risk of symptomatic UTO, while women with Type I diabetes are more likely to develop pyelonephritis, eventually leading to impairment of renal function.
Recent studies also reveal that in diabetic patients, UTI has been associated with risk of infections progressing to complications & severe outcomes.
How does diabetes affect the Kidneys?
Diabetes is the most common cause of kidney disorders. It is often known as the diabetic kidney disease. Even with glycemic control, long term diabetes can lead to failure of the kidney, chronic kidney disease & leading to the need for dialysis & kidney transplantation
How does diabetes affect the foreskin?
The first clinical sign of diabetes in uncircumcised men is a tight foreskin that cannot be pulled back to expose the head of the penis (a condition known as phimosis) . Nearly 25% of men with this problem tend to have underlying diabetes. It is common for them to have fungal infections under the foreskin due to the warm & moist environment combined with presence of glucose in urine. Glycemic control can make a significant difference in managing these fungal infections & phimosis
Although urological issues are common in patients with diabetes, intensive glycemic control can delay the onset & progression of microvascular complications of diabetes. Healthy lifestyle choices such as diet, exercise & enough rest can contribute to improving your urological health.
If you are a diabetic & are experiencing urological issues, consult the best urologist in Hyderabad, Dr. Amit Goel to identify the right treatment plan for you.