Type 2 diabetes, left unmanaged, can cause extensive damage to the body. Persistently high levels of blood sugar can result in nerve damage, and you may find yourself suffering from incontinence.

Known as diabetic neuropathy, it’s a long-term complication of type 2 diabetes.

The charity Diabetes UK explained that prolonged high blood sugar (glucose) levels can damage small blood vessels.

Small blood vessels in the body are responsible for supplying nerve cells with essential nutrients.

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If blood vessels become damaged, thus inhibiting nutrients from reaching nerve cells, nerve fibres can begin to disappear.

Autonomic neuropathy affects the nerves that carry information to your organs and glands.

These nerves help to control some functions, such as bowel control and heart beating, without you consciously directing them.

When these nerves are malnourished, damaged and reduced in quantity, there may be a loss of bladder control, leading to incontinence.

This lack of control over urination (or even defecation) can be hugely embarrassing.

Age UK lists three other possible causes of urinary incontinence: weak pelvic floor muscles, overactive bladder and enlarged prostate.

The charity added two other possible reasons for bowel incontinence: weak bowel muscles and diarrhoea.

The symptoms of incontinence

The symptoms of urinary incontinence include leaking urine when coughing, sneezing, laughing or exercising. You could also leak urine just before reaching the toilet.

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People suffering from urinary incontinence may pass urine frequently, or find it difficult to pass urine.

It may feel as though the bladder doesn’t empty completely when on the toilet. Or you may even wet the bed when asleep.

Symptoms of bowel incontinence include leaking from the bowel, the urgent need to release yourself and being unable to control wind.

Another sign of bowel incontinence is straining or difficulty emptying bowels.

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To help reduce the progression of nerve damage, it’s important to get blood sugar levels under control.

Those who have access to a glucometer will be able to tell when they need to lower blood sugar levels and can discuss their needs with their GP.

However, for those of you who have undiagnosed type 2 diabetes, it’ll be worth asking your GP to check your blood sugar levels.

Other signs of type 2 diabetes are excessive thirstiness (never quenched by drinking more fluids), excessive hunger and fatigue.

Alternative treatment options (in addition to well controlled diabetes) may be offered.

For example, you may be advised to perform certain exercises to help strengthen the pelvic floor or bowel.

You may gain access to bladder or bowel training, medications, and for those severely affected, surgery may be an option.

It’s important to tell your doctor all the symptoms you’re experiencing to find the best treatment for you.

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