Diabetes?

[Gimwet]

Hi--

I'm curious, and a bit confused. The doctors I have been dealing with seem surprised to find that I have developed incontinence, seemingly as a result of my diabetes (diagnosed about 4.5 yrs. ago). From what I read on incontinence/diaper boards, this is not unusual as a complication of diabetes, but the urologist and my primary M.D. both seemed to not consider it expectable or even part of the syndrome.

Any others with diabetes and incontinence as a possible result? I had back surgeries in lower back >20 years ago, too, but these symptoms have increased over the past year to the point of total urinary incontinence at night (cloth diapers required---no disposable worked with the output!) and some milder accicents during the day (disposable underwear). Fortunately, urological tests have ruled out prostate and other cancer concerns, but the difficulties remain.

I'd like to hear any others' experiences with diabetes and UI.

Gimwet

[Ineedachangin]

Hi--

I'm curious, and a bit confused. The doctors I have been dealing with seem surprised to find that I have developed incontinence, seemingly as a result of my diabetes (diagnosed about 4.5 yrs. ago). From what I read on incontinence/diaper boards, this is not unusual as a complication of diabetes, but the urologist and my primary M.D. both seemed to not consider it expectable or even part of the syndrome.

Any others with diabetes and incontinence as a possible result? I had back surgeries in lower back >20 years ago, too, but these symptoms have increased over the past year to the point of total urinary incontinence at night (cloth diapers required---no disposable worked with the output!) and some milder accicents during the day (disposable underwear). Fortunately, urological tests have ruled out prostate and other cancer concerns, but the difficulties remain.

I'd like to hear any others' experiences with diabetes and UI.

Gimwet

I haven't had iincontinence to your point but,I had a bladder infection a few years back that settled in (sorry to be graphic) my testicles,that caused my right testicle to swell to over 8 inches. It started out with me thinking I had the flu then that cleared up but I kept wetting myself(urge inconitance I was later told) I ended up a few days later in the ER. My urologist did say that bladder infections were common in diabetics and don't be surprised to get one again. I would suggest seeing a different doctor. On a side note, when this happened I was on vacation in Tennesse staying at a freinds house.After the doctor saw my underwear with the yellow stains in it, she suggested for me to try wearing some pullup's till I was better(boy I love brutal honesty from a doctor). Since then I had another infection in December and since then I have been experiancing frequint periods of urge incontinence.

[Baby Tom]

I am a diabetic to with Type 2. I was diagnosed about 20 years ago with Diabetes. It was about that time when I started having wetting accidents at night and during the daytime. So I started wearing diapers about that time to.

I was a bed wetter though as a kid until I turned 16 and also have a seizure disorder. About a year or so ago I went to see a urologist and was diagnosed with a overactive bladder / urge incontinence. I had a urodynamic test done where they put a cath in my penis to my bladder to find out how it acts when getting full. The process did hurt for a while but not long. Both the doctor and the tech who was doing the test were female so it was kind of a interesting situation for me.

I was told by the doctor that sugar control can and does cause problems with control. This doctor is from Dartmouth- Hitchcock here in New Hampshire. So i had to work on getting my sugar under better control which was a challenge but I have made it. I still wear a diaper 24/ 7 for those times I am not able to make it to the bathroom in time.

If you want to chat more about it feel free to write back, or I am on Yahoo IM to.

[Tinkles123]

My incontinence is also diabetes related, and is accompanied by severe ED (Erectile Dysfunction) which makes conventional intercourse impossible, even with Viagra. I seem to have a combination of both urge and overflow incontinence, and have been wearing diapers 24/7 for about five years. Like you, I was a childhood bedwetter. I also wet sometimes during the day, and did have occasional fecal incontinence, which was mortifying.

If you Google the phrase "Urological Disease" you'll see some interesting results. "Autonomic Neuropathy" is another term you might want to search. If you don't feel the urge to urinate until just before it happens, and/or if you find yourself urinating again a short time after going to the toilet or using a diaper, you might have what's called a Neurogenic bladder.

I don't believe there's a cure, although there are things you can do to lessen the wetting. Most of those are part of good diabetes care anyway.

Incontinence is said not to be a normal part of aging, but 17% of men over 60, and more than 35% of women over 60 experience some form of incontinence. There are a lot of worse things that can happen to a person. Daily Diapers, despite is AB/DL orientation, is absolutely the best forum I've found ANYWHERE for the kind of support I need. By support I mean information, encouragement, and an invitation to enjoy wearing diapers, since it can't be helped.

[triton1870]

I am incontinent due to diabetes as well. I have been dealing with it for 9 years now. It started out just wetting the bed every once in a while and then grew to every night. So I decided to get myself some diapers, and it's a good thing too because soon after I started wetting during the day. I really don't mind though I grew to like the diapers, I just wish it was easier to find a girl who is ok with it.

[idl john]

i also have the same problem as you, i have nerve damage from severl bad disc, and diabetes. i have been wearing for 4years now, i dont mind it anymore, diapers have now become apart of my life, and yes i do enjoy them to. so be cool and enjoy your summer. idl john,,

[diapereddave]

Im not sure if this is the right post to add to or not. IM 26, and just got otld by the my Dr, that she needs me to come into the office tommorrow, so we can discuss my blood glucose levels, which she says have been decreasing in my blood work recently. I have been out of work for almost 2 1/2 weeks now, due to an issue with my appendix, Ive been having bllodwork done at the Dr. office almost every couple days because of that. Im kinda scared about that, im not ready to be diabetic. However it might explain some other problems ive been having recently. Ive gained almost 40 lbs in the last 5 months, with no change in diet, I cant get it up, without viagra, and that at times doesnt work too well, Im almost always running to the bathroom. Does this make sense to anyone?? Not to mention, im finding it alot easier to use diapers when im laying down, or standing often times without thinking.

[Gimwet]

Im not sure if this is the right post to add to or not. IM 26, and just got otld by the my Dr, that she needs me to come into the office tommorrow, so we can discuss my blood glucose levels, which she says have been decreasing in my blood work recently. I have been out of work for almost 2 1/2 weeks now, due to an issue with my appendix, Ive been having bllodwork done at the Dr. office almost every couple days because of that. Im kinda scared about that, im not ready to be diabetic. However it might explain some other problems ive been having recently. Ive gained almost 40 lbs in the last 5 months, with no change in diet, I cant get it up, without viagra, and that at times doesnt work too well, Im almost always running to the bathroom. Does this make sense to anyone?? Not to mention, im finding it alot easier to use diapers when im laying down, or standing often times without thinking.

I believe that the blood glucose levels would be going UP, not DOWN if you are developing diabetes. Mine came on quite suddenly in 2001; a week or slightly more of sudden, massive symptoms which culminated in blurred vision----after the thirst, frequent /urgent urination, leg cramps, weight loss, loss of appetite, and energy loss. Saw a M.D. after fasting 14 hrs (anticipating blood work) and had a blood glucose of 295. Incontinence started much later, after the sugars were much better controlled, although during the initial phases I used some pull-ups just in case. My serious incontinence started late last year, and now I'm in Cloth/Pants 24/7. Big adjustments, but workable. Stiill work a full schedule, and only family know of this aspect of my medical problems.

Your symptoms are not completely consistent with diabetes----but keep seeing the doctors, please! It's a maybe or maybe not situation regarding the possibility of diabetes, but your symptoms certainly indicate something is significantly amiss.

Best to you, and please keep us posted.

Gimwet

[diapereddave]

The Dr told me by gluc level was 36, and that she almost could believe that I drove, or was even walking, and talking coherearantly when i came in for blood work. I cant remember if I had eaten that morning that I had thta blood work or not. Lately I have been waking up confused, and kinda dizzy when I wake up. the Dr. told me that I need to try to eat more regularly and thta I need to start monitoring my gluc levels. Im waiting for a monitor to come in the mail. I have a hard time eating regularly, cuz when im working, I dont always havea set time to eat, and when Im home nothing ever sounds goods to eat. I just dont know.

[Gimwet]

The Dr told me by gluc level was 36, and that she almost could believe that I drove, or was even walking, and talking coherearantly when i came in for blood work. I cant remember if I had eaten that morning that I had thta blood work or not. Lately I have been waking up confused, and kinda dizzy when I wake up. the Dr. told me that I need to try to eat more regularly and thta I need to start monitoring my gluc levels. Im waiting for a monitor to come in the mail. I have a hard time eating regularly, cuz when im working, I dont always havea set time to eat, and when Im home nothing ever sounds goods to eat. I just dont know.

Hi Dave---

36 is horribly low for anyone's blood glucose. If eating something doesn't appeal, at least drink something that will provide some glucose into the system----sugared sodas are ok, Orange juice probably better. Protein bars are good when eating schedules are inconsistent and you are working; no mess, but something going down. Your body (and brain) need fuel to operate; running this low can actually cause cellular loss in the brain for lack of fuel (glucose is the only fuel the brain can use---all food essentially converts to glucose to power the body).

Please take care----this is serious in both short and long-terms.

Gimwet

[DarylLyn]

The Dr told me by gluc level was 36, and that she almost could believe that I drove, or was even walking, and talking coherearantly when i came in for blood work. I cant remember if I had eaten that morning that I had thta blood work or not. Lately I have been waking up confused, and kinda dizzy when I wake up. the Dr. told me that I need to try to eat more regularly and thta I need to start monitoring my gluc levels. Im waiting for a monitor to come in the mail. I have a hard time eating regularly, cuz when im working, I dont always havea set time to eat, and when Im home nothing ever sounds goods to eat. I just dont know.

I am type 1 insulin dependent diabetic. Your symptoms are most certainly NOT diabetes, however it is related. The primary question that I would ask is: Do these low blood sugar incidents happen 1-4 hours after eating a large meal? or Does it happen 30mins-1.5hrs after eating a BUNCH of sugar? (IE: a dozen doughnuts, a couple boxes of cookies, etc (especially the glazed doughnuts)) If so, I would ask a doctor to try diagnosing Hypoglycemia. Diabetics produce TOO LITTLE insulin. Hypoglycemics bodies overreact to simple sugars. If you eat a heavy protien meal, the protiens and fats are burned slowly, and the pancreas produces a reasonable amount of insulin. If that meal is mostly sugars and white starch, the pancreas "panics" producing too much insulin for the long haul, resulting in a rapid rise in sugar, and a rapid plunge.

[diapereddave]

These incidents typically occur before eating. I havent been having too many symptoms lately. I dont know whats going on. I didnt think it was diabetes directly, but something probly related.

[Dill_Pickle]

These incidents typically occur before eating. I havent been having too many symptoms lately. I dont know whats going on. I didnt think it was diabetes directly, but something probly related.

Dill Pickle the armchair Dr says:

Something has been going wrong, and you are not feeling good...yeah, you might have trouble getting it up...

If you have appendicitis-like symptoms, it sounds like you might have irritable bowel or a colonic blockage. If your gut hurts, you won't want to eat; I experienced this this week myself...

But I've been losing weight, and you have been gaining...which doesn't make any sense...unless you've got a huge pile of poop sitting on your prostate....

have they looked inside your gut yet?

I've been told, and have personally experienced, that loading up on fluids in these situations is dead critical...without it, I have myself and seen another person end up in the ER getting IV fluids instead...