Urinary Incontinence

More than 13 million people of all ages in the United States experience urinary incontinence, characterized by urine leakage or a loss of bladder control. It is particularly prevalent in women, seniors, and people with diabetes. Diabetes can desensitize nerves, causing the urge to urinate to be less noticeable. Also, high blood sugar may cause an increase in both the amount of urine and the frequency with which it is produced, which can lead to weakness in the muscles of the bladder wall. Other possible causes are frequent urinary tract infections, obesity, physical changes from surgery or childbirth, hysterectomy, lung disease or stroke. Getting beyond shame or embarrassment, urinary incontinence is important to diagnose because it may be the result of an underlying, possibly serious medical condition. Seeking treatment is important.

Types Of Incontinence

Urge incontinence: Also known as overactive bladder. This is the most common type of urinary incontinence seen in people with diabetes. People with this condition frequently experience the sudden, strong desire to empty the bladder, often resulting in leakage, from a few drops to more substantial amounts. People with urge incontinence may also urinate frequently during the day, get up often throughout the night, or experience bedwetting.

Stress incontinence: Occurs when pressure is applied to the bladder from coughing, sneezing, laughing, or other physical movements.

Functional incontinence: Results from a person's inability to move, think, or communicate effectively. For example, a person who needs a walker may not be able to get to the bathroom in time. A person with Alzheimer's may not be able to think clearly enough to schedule bathroom breaks.

Overflow incontinence: Occurs because the bladder is too full or is not completely emptied. Weak bladder muscles, a blocked urethra, and nerve damage can all cause this type of incontinence.

The National Association for Continence estimates that only one in 12 people seek treatment, although 80 percent who do seek treatment either improve or are cured. If not treated, incontinence can lead to depression and decreased quality of life. Getting help and getting to the root of the problem, which may include urinalysis, ultrasound, and measuring bladder capacity, will help begin an improved quality of life.

CONVENTIONAL TREATMENT

Options include physical therapy (bladder retraining), biofeedback and electronic stimulation, implants, and surgery. (Surgery should be a last resort and rarely required for an overactive bladder, which is the most common type of incontinence experienced by people with diabetes.) It is very important to control and treat diabetes. Weight reduction in moderately obese women has also been proven to prevent incontinence. Doctor prescribed medications are also available that relax the bladder or tighten the sphincter muscles.

NUTRITIONAL SUPPLEMENTS & HERBS

Children: Original Herbal Minerals for mineral support and/or UriCare for urinary infections. and for bedwetting support: B-Dry 2oz. or 8 oz. Chinese Formula for adults: StayDry 2oz. or 8 oz. for bladder control due to weak kidneys, etc. Herb Singles: Buchu, Corn Silk, Oatstaw, Parsley, Plantain (take herbs before 3:00 p.m. for bedwetting) Supplements: Vitamin B Complex (B-50 w/C or CoEnzyme B complex), Potassium, Vitamin A, Vitamin E, Zinc

SUPPORT PRODUCTS

To prevent leakage and skin problems related to leakage, several over-the-counter options are available. These include adult disposable briefs, disposable incontinence pads, reusable pads and briefs (easier on the skin), vinyl products such as plastic panties, briefs, or boxers. Some manufacturers even make protective underwear in various colors and prints to resemble the garments sold in department stores. Vinyl or plastic mattress covers may also be helpful at night. There are also disposable blue pads, which are placed on chairs and mattresses. They have a blue plastic waterproof backing and a soft, absorbent top layer. They may be preferable for those who'd rather not sleep in a protective undergarment or who have negative reactions (sweating, irritation) to vinyl products.