Background: Diabetic bladder dysfunction is among the most common complications of diabetes mellitus. It is principally caused by autonomic neuropathy defining diabetic cystopathy.
Aim: characterize the bladder dysfunction in patients with diabetes mellitus.
Methods: The clinical and urodynamic records of patients with diabetes mellitus were reviewed.
Results: 40 patients with diabetes mellitus were included in the study mean aged 55 years. 32 patients had voiding dysfunction. Urinary frequency and difficulty emptying were the predominant symptoms that led to patient referral. 15 patients (31.25%) had decreased flow rates. 12 patients (37.5%) had diminished bladder sensation and/or impaired detrusor contractility. 10 patients (25%) had detrusor hyperreflexia and 6 patients had impaired detrusor contractility with increased bladder sensation. Vescico-uretral dyssynergia was found in 2 patients (5%).
Conclusion: This study suggests that classical diabetic cystopathy is not the most common urodynamic findings in patients with diabetes mellitus and demonstrates the importance of urodynamic studies in diagnosing bladder dysfunction in diabetics before initiation of therapy.