On World Diabetes Day 2023, Dr Raju R, Urologist, Apollo Spectra Hospital, Bangalore explains the role of treatment options and role of technology in incontinence and overactive bladder
Bladder incontinence is the accidental release of urine or fecal matter, which can affect the quality of life and cause embarrassment. Overactive bladder (OAB) is a condition where the bladder contracts too often or too strongly, causing a sudden and urgent need to urinate. Both incontinence and OAB can be caused or worsened by diabetes, a metabolic disorder where the blood sugar levels are too high.
Diabetes damages the nerves that control the bladder and the bowel, leading to a neurogenic bladder that may not function properly. Diabetes can also affect the immune system, making it harder to fight off infections that can cause incontinence. Moreover, diabetes can increase thirst and urination, which can put more pressure on the bladder and the kidneys.
Treatment
Some of the possible treatments for bladder incontinence in diabetics are:
- Medications: Depending on the type and cause of incontinence, different medications may be prescribed to help with bladder control. For example – antibiotics can help kill possible urinary tract infections, betmiga can relax the bladder muscles and antispasmodics can help control bladder spasms
- Bladder training: This involves following a schedule of urinating at regular intervals.This helps in improving bladder capacity that reduces urgency and frequency
- Electrical stimulation: This involves using a device that delivers mild electrical pulses to the nerves that control the bladder and pelvic floor muscles. This helps in improving the bladder muscles and strengthening the walls of the bladder
- Kegel exercises: These are exercises that involve contracting and relaxing the pelvic floor muscles, which support the bladder and other organs. This helps in preventing leakage and helping bladder control
- Surgery: In some cases, surgery may be an option to treat bladder incontinence. Example – a sling procedure helps prevent leakage by offering strength to the urethra and a bladder augmentation helps to increase the bladder size and enhances control
These are some of the common treatments for bladder incontinence in diabetics, but they may not work for everyone. It is important to consult with a medical expert before starting any treatment, and to monitor the blood sugar levels and urinary symptoms regularly.
Bladder incontinence can be both a symptom and a complication of diabetes, and it can also increase the risk of other complications such as urinary tract infections and kidney damage. Bladder incontinence can also have a negative impact on the quality of life, sexual function, and mental health of people with diabetes.
In the current scenario, technology plays a huge role in the treatment options of bladder Incontinence and in alleviating the symptoms caused by diabetes. Some of them can be as listed below –
- Technology can help diagnose the type and severity of bladder incontinence and diabetes by using various tests and devices, such as urinalysis, urodynamic testing, cystoscopy, blood glucose monitoring, and hemoglobin A1c testing
- Technology can also help treat bladder incontinence and diabetes by using medications, devices, or surgical procedures, such as antidiabetic drugs, insulin injections, oral or vaginal estrogen, anticholinergics, beta-3 adrenergic agonists, mirabegron, botulinum toxin injections, nerve stimulators, artificial urinary sphincters, slings, urethral bulking agents, bladder augmentation, and urinary diversion
- Technology can also help prevent or manage bladder incontinence and diabetes by using lifestyle interventions, such as weight loss, pelvic floor muscle exercises, bladder training, fluid management, dietary changes, smoking cessation, and regular physical activity
- Technology can also help improve the quality of life and well-being of people with bladder incontinence and diabetes by using supportive devices, such as absorbent pads, catheters, urine collection bags, alarms, and pumps
- Technology can help monitor the bladder and bowel function of people with diabetes by using wearable sensors, smart toilets, or mobile apps that can track the volume, frequency, and quality of urine and stool
- Technology can help educate and empower people with diabetes and bladder incontinence by using online platforms, telehealth services, or chatbots that can provide information, advice, and support on how to manage their conditions
- Technology can help innovate and improve the existing treatments for bladder incontinence and diabetes by using nanotechnology, biotechnology, or gene therapy that can deliver drugs, stimulate cells, or modify genes to restore the normal function of the bladder and the pancreas
Technology plays a vital role in the treatment of bladder incontinence, which is a common and distressing condition that affects millions of people worldwide. Technology can help diagnose, treat, prevent, and manage bladder incontinence in various ways, such as using tests, devices, medications, surgeries, lifestyle interventions, and supportive devices. Technology can also help improve the quality of life and well-being of people with bladder incontinence by providing them with information, education, empowerment, and innovation. Technology can help people with bladder incontinence to regain their confidence, dignity, and comfort.