What links diabetes and incontinence?
1. Nerve damage
Over time, consistently high blood sugar can damage the small blood vessels which supply the nerves with essential nutrients, causing nerve damage. When nerve damage affects the area that controls the urinary system, bladder issues can occur. Nerve damage can be slowed down or even prevented by regulating the blood sugar levels and leading a healthy lifestyle.
2. Obesity
Obesity puts people at a higher risk of developing type 2 diabetes. Obesity is also a risk for urinary incontinence, so maintaining a healthy weight is not only important to obtain health benefits over a lifetime but is also good for your bladder.
3. Urinary tract infection
High blood sugar levels can weaken the immune system which increases the risk of urinary tract infections (UTI). High blood sugar levels can also cause high sugar levels in the urine which promotes bacterial growth. UTIs disrupt the normal process of storing and passing urine, which can result in leakage. Find more helpful information about preventing and treating UTIs here.