Assessment of glycemic biomarkers and lower urinary tract symptoms (LUTS) among adults with and without diabetes in South India: A pilot study

Abstract

Background

Lower urinary tract symptoms (LUTS) are common among adults and substantially affect quality of life. Diabetes mellitus (DM) is known to influence LUTS through metabolic and neuropathic mechanisms, yet comparative, gender-inclusive data from Indian tertiary settings are limited. This pilot study evaluated LUTS severity, symptom patterns, and quality of life in adults with and without diabetes.

Methods

A cross-sectional study was conducted among 80 adults presenting with at least one LUTS (40 diabetes, 40 non-diabetes). Symptom severity was assessed using the IPSS (males), UDI-6 (females), and ICIQ-UI SF questionnaires. HbA1c was recorded, and management patterns were documented. Descriptive statistics and one-way ANOVA were used for unadjusted comparisons, followed by multivariable linear regression to adjust for age and diabetes status

Results

Participants with diabetes were generally older and had higher BMI and cardiometabolic comorbidities than non-diabetes. ANOVA showed borderline UDI-6 differences in diabetes females and significant IPSS variation in both diabetes and non-diabetes males. Participants with diabetes demonstrated higher numerical frequencies of severe LUTS, nocturia, and incontinence; however, these differences were not statistically significant. Individuals with diabetes reported more storage symptoms, while non-diabetes had more voiding symptoms. Participants with diabetes demonstrated higher numerical frequencies of severe LUTS, nocturia, and incontinence; however, these differences were not statistically significant. however, these differences were not statistically significant.

Conclusion

Diabetes was associated with a higher numerical burden of storage-related LUTS and reduced quality of life; however, no independent association was observed after adjustment. Given the pilot nature and limited sample size, these findings should be interpreted as hypothesis-generating. Larger, longitudinal studies incorporating glycemic markers and urodynamic assessments are warranted to clarify metabolic contributions to LUTS