Diabetes and Bladder Problems: Neurogenic Bladder
Diabetes and Bladder Problems: Neurogenic Bladder
October 17, 2007
Arthur Schoenstadt, MD
eMedTV
Less common, but more severe, bladder problems associated with diabetes include:
* Difficulty urinating
* Complete failure to empty (retention).
These symptoms can be caused by neurogenic bladder. Some evidence indicates that this problem occurs in both men and women with diabetes at earlier ages than in those without diabetes.
In neurogenic bladder, damage to the nerves that go to your bladder can cause it to release urine when you do not intend to urinate, resulting in leakage. Or, damage to nerves may prevent your bladder from releasing urine properly and it may be forced back into the kidneys, causing kidney damage or urinary tract infections.
Neurogenic bladder can be caused by:
* Diabetes or other diseases
* Accidents that damage the nerves
* Infections.
Symptoms of neurogenic bladder include:
* Urinary tract infections
* Loss of the urge to urinate when the bladder is full
* Leakage of urine
* Inability to empty the bladder.
To diagnose a neurogenic bladder, your doctor will check both your nervous system (your brain and the nerves of the bladder) and the bladder itself. Tests may include x-rays and an evaluation of bladder function (urodynamics).
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