Diabetic Neuropathy: Treatment for Urinary Problems - Topic Overview
Treatment for urinary problems caused by diabetic neuropathy depends on the specific problem. Typical problems and their treatment include:
- Reduced ability to know when the bladder is full. Urinating on a regular schedule (every 4 hours, for instance), regardless of whether you think your bladder is full, is the usual approach to treating this problem. If neuropathy is causing you to urinate involuntarily (urinary incontinence), medications such as oxybutynin (Ditropan) or tolterodine (Detrol) may be helpful. Men with urinary incontinence caused by neuropathy may benefit from alpha-blocker medications, such as terazosin (Hytrin), doxazosin (Cardura), or tamsulosin (Flomax).
- Straining to urinate and difficulty emptying the bladder completely. This problem may be treated with medication, such as bethanechol (Urecholine). In more severe cases, a thin tube may be used to empty the bladder on a regular basis (periodic catheterization). Difficulty emptying the bladder completely may be worse during pregnancy.
- Disruption of the proper emptying of the bladder, which may result in urinary tract infections (UTIs). UTIs may be treated with antibiotics. Drinking more fluids each day can help prevent UTIs.
WebMD Medical Reference from Healthwise
Diabetic Neuropathy: Treatment for Urinary Problems Topics
Is This Normal? Get the Facts Fast!
Answer:
0-69
70-130
131+
Your level is currently
If the level is below 70 and you are experiencing symptoms such as shaking, sweating or difficulty thinking, you will need to raise the number immediately. A quick solution is to eat a few pieces of hard candy or 1 tablespoon of sugar or honey. Recheck your numbers again in 15 minutes to see if the number has gone up. If not, repeat the steps above or call your doctor.
People who experience hypoglycemia several times in a week should call their health care provider. It's important to monitor your levels each day so you can make sure your numbers are within the range. If you are pregnant always consult with your health care provider.
Congratulations on taking steps to manage your health.
However, it's important to continue to track your numbers so that you can make lifestyle changes if needed. If you are pregnant always consult with your physician.
Your level is high if this reading was taken before eating. Aim for 70-130 before meals and less than 180 two hours after meals.
Even if your number is high, it's not too late for you to take control of your health and lower your blood sugar.
One of the first steps is to monitor your levels each day. If you are pregnant always consult with your physician.
Did You Know Your Lifestyle Choices
Affect Your Blood Sugar?
Use the Blood Glucose Tracker to monitor
how well you manage your blood sugar over time.
This tool is not intended for women who are pregnant.
Step: of
Today in Diabetes
Health Solutions From Our Sponsors
©2005-2013 WebMD, LLC. All rights reserved.
WebMD does not provide medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. See additional information.