I have type 2 diabetes. I have noticed that I've been wetting the bed without notice. And when I go to the bathroom, my bladder is very full. Is this related to my diabetes? Or could it be related to anything else? We are going out of town for the holiday and we will get a hotel to avoid embarrassment. My next visit to my doctor is after December.

Thanks very much for your question. Your problem is a common one. Loss of urine involuntarily is called incontinence. It can be due to many causes, including elevated blood sugar, urinary tract infections, loss of bladder muscle tone and other conditions. Elevated blood glucose can cause increased urine production and the bladder may not be able to retain this extra volume easily. Spill over occurs involuntarily (incontinence).

Some patients may notice "stress" incontinence which is loss of urine with physical activity such as running, or with sneezing, coughing, or lifting heavy items. Some other diabetic patients may not be able to normally sense when their bladder is full to due impaired bladder nerve senstation, and there is overflow incontinence.

Since determining the cause of the incontinence is very important in every person, especially in a diabetic, I would strongly recommend that you see your doctor now for evaluation. It may be possible to perform simple urine and blood tests in the office or clinic that could determine the cause. Other specialized evaluations of bladder function are sometimes needed, too.

I hope you will see your doctor soon and get the correct diagnosis and treatment for your incontinence. Have a happy holiday!

Bruce Biller, MD

-- Dr. Bruce Biller is an internist with subspecialty training in endocrinology and a special interest in diabetes. He is director of the Harvard Business School Health Services and physician to the Harvard University Health Services.

First published October 28, 2004
Last updated January 17, 2007
Copyright © 2004 Consumer Health Interactive