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I am a 64-year-old female who suffers from occasional urinary incontinence (can't hold the urine). I have also been diagnosed with diabetes for about 7 years. I was not incontinent until about two years ago. Is the incontinence related to the diabetes? My diabetes is well-controlled with an AIC of 7.0 for the past year or two.
I'm not a doctor or nurse, so I can't say for sure, and any doctor or nurse will probably want to evaluate you in person to say what the cause of your incontinence is. One thing to think about is whether your incontinence is caused by a problem with the muscles or nerves. Weakened pelvic floor muscles can cause stress urinary incontinence (leaking when you laugh, sneeze, cough, etc.), and is not usually linked to diabetes. Because diabetes can cause nerve damage, the incontinence more often linked with it is urge incontinence (sudden, intense, and frequent urge to urinate - sometimes you don't make it to the bathroom in time).
Good luck!
Jasmine
Yes, Jasmine, that sounds like what I have. Last year I had to take medication for nerve damage in my lower leg which, happily, resolved the problem quite a bit, and the pain has lessened greatly. So you're probably right that it's diabetic nerve damage that causes the urge continence. Actually, the problem doesn't rear its head that often, but when it does, it makes me nervous. I also use the Kegel occasionally, which seems to help. I am now doing exercise 3-4 times a week (various kinds--pilates, strength-training, low impact aerobics and the treadmill), in hopes that I can help my body. I feel good!!
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I recently posted a question about the problem above and as always mainly recieved a reply based on womens experiences.Pants and pads on the market are useless for the average male as they are designed for women!The only solution for me has been desmopressin,catheters or the external/texas catheter & leg bag.
Yours
Dave