Prevalence and risk factors for bothersome lower urinary tract symptoms in women with diabetes mellitus from hospital-based diabetes clinic.

Introduction and hypothesis: There is limited data on prevalence and risk factors for bothersome lower urinary tract symptoms (LUTS) in women with diabetes mellitus (DM). This study assesses prevalence and risk factors for bothersome LUTS and voiding dysfunction in women with DM.

Methods: Two hundred twenty women participated in this study. Participants completed the King's health questionnaire and the international consultation on incontinence-female lower urinary tract symptom questionnaire. Symptoms prevalence and urinary flow rate were assessed. Logistic regression models for risk factors of bothersome LUTS and voiding dysfunction were constructed.

Results: One hundred forty-eight women completed the study. Sixty-one women (41%) had bothersome LUTS. Urgency incontinence, urgency, and nocturia were the most bothersome. Fifty-six (38%) had voiding dysfunction. Neuropathy and glycosylated haemoglobin were independent risk factors for voiding dysfunction. Voiding dysfunction did not affect quality of life in women with DM.

Conclusions: Overactive bladder symptoms are the most bothersome in diabetic women. Neuropathy and glycosylated haemoglobin are risk factors for voiding dysfunction.