Lower urinary tract symptoms in women with diabetes mellitus: a current review

Abstract

A literature review of the most current publications studying lower urinary tract symptoms (LUTS) and findings in diabetic women was conducted including articles from January 2013 to April 2014. Current reports consistently note that aging and obesity are significantly associated with worsened LUTS in diabetic women. Glucosuria has variable effects on urodynamic parameters and LUTS, but has a significant association with urinary tract infection (UTI) and incontinence at clinically relevant numbers, such as HbA1C values. The presence of severe nocturia in diabetic patients warrants careful surveillance for cardiovascular risks given the significant association with mortality. Diabetics appear to be at higher risk for colonization with the virulent, extended-spectrum, β-lactamase-producing Escherichia coli and Klebsiella species in UTI. Novel therapies in glycemic control and for diabetic bladder dysfunction are undergoing animal model trials with encouraging results. The most promising of these includes stem cell therapy, although a need exists for human studies.