Lower urinary tract dysfunction in the diabetes population: endocrinologists knowledge base and clinical practice...

Lower urinary tract symptoms (LUTS) are common in patients with diabetes, a condition that often exacerbates urinary issues. Despite the growing evidence linking diabetes with LUTS, current guidelines, including those from the American Diabetes Association (ADA) and the National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (NICE), do not include specific recommendations for LUTS assessment or treatment.

This study explores the prevalence of LUTS in patients with diabetes and assesses how these symptoms are managed by healthcare professionals.

A cross-sectional study was conducted in Ireland, involving surveys of both healthcare professionals and patients attending specialist diabetes clinics. The healthcare professional survey assessed their awareness of LUTS in diabetic patients, as well as their practices regarding symptom inquiry and management. The patient survey focused on the prevalence of LUTS in individuals with type 1 (T1DM) and type 2 diabetes (T2DM) and whether these symptoms were discussed with their healthcare providers.

The healthcare professional survey revealed that 88% were aware of the higher prevalence of LUTS in diabetic patients, but only 19% routinely inquired about these symptoms. There were significant differences in practice among different professional subgroups. The patient survey found that 55.8% of individuals with T1DM and 71.1% with T2DM experienced LUTS. However, only 33% of T1DM and 40% of T2DM patients discussed these symptoms with their healthcare providers. Age was associated with more severe LUTS.

The study highlights a significant gap in the recognition and management of LUTS in diabetic patients, with many individuals experiencing bothersome symptoms without adequate treatment. The findings suggest that integrating routine LUTS assessment into diabetes care, as well as fostering interdisciplinary collaboration, could improve patient outcomes and quality of life. The study calls for the inclusion of urological care within diabetes management protocols to better address this common and impactful complication.