Diabetic bladder is a term used to refer to any bladder trouble that is caused by diabetes (in particular, diabetes-related nerve damage). Anyone who has both knows that the struggle can range from mildly annoying to disruptive to everyday life. The same can be true for those caring for a child with diabetes.
It’s not that being diagnosed with diabetes means you’re guaranteed bladder issues. It’s the damage the disease causes to specific nerve pathways.
Depending on the damage, the symptoms can grow to the point where you need medical intervention and supplies like catheters to stay healthy and comfortable.
November is Diabetes Awareness Month, and bladder health is an important part of diabetes care. Let’s look at what diabetic bladder is, the symptoms that may appear, and the catheter options a provider may discuss with you.
What is Diabetic Bladder?
Before we get to how diabetes can affect your body’s functioning, let’s define the term. Diabetic bladder (also referred to as diabetic cystopathy) is a bladder problem that develops when diabetes damages the nerves that typically tell your brain that your bladder is full and needs to be emptied.
Those nerves are important because they help your bladder know when to release urine and when you feel that your bladder is empty.
If those damaged nerves stop working properly, your bladder may not respond normally to pressure as urine builds up. That can lead to discomfort and pain, as well as a higher risk of incontinence and infection.
What Causes Diabetic Bladder?
Nerve damage is the primary cause of the condition. Over time, high blood glucose can damage nerves throughout your body, including those that are connected to the bladder.
The National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases (NIDDK) has found that this damage can affect whether you notice your bladder is full and, over time, can even damage the muscles needed to fully expel urine.
Not everyone with diabetes will develop diabetic bladder. But if you begin to notice that your ability to sense your bladder being full starts to fade, it may be time to speak with your provider to make sure you have all you need to stay healthy.
What is Urinary Retention, and What’s the Connection to Diabetic Bladder?
Another concern that can come with diabetic bladder is known as urinary retention: difficulty emptying all of the urine out of your bladder when you go to the bathroom. This can develop slowly over time, but some also notice that they suddenly have trouble emptying their bladder.
Here’s the catch: chronic urinary retention can show few to no symptoms. If the nerves are damaged, you may not even notice that your bladder is retaining urine after you urinate. Other symptoms to watch for include:
- A weak or slow stream when urinating
- Feeling the urge to go often, but only urinating small amounts at a time
- A sense that you need to go again shortly after you finish
- Leaking urine without warning
All of this matters because a bladder that retains urine is one that is at risk of developing urinary tract infections (UTIs), which can be dangerous.
Bacteria can build up in the bladder, and even in the kidneys, when the bladder doesn’t empty fully. Infections can be dangerous and lead to other health complications if untreated.
How is Diabetic Bladder Diagnosed and Managed?
Typically, you’ll work with your healthcare provider to determine whether or not you have nerve damage due to diabetes and if your bladder is impacted. They may order blood and urine tests, as well as an ultrasound or urodynamic testing to get a clearer picture of what’s going on.
In some cases, your doctor may recommend that you use a catheter to ensure that your bladder is emptying as it should consistently.
What Catheter Options May Come Up?
Your provider may discuss two different options for you if catheterization is in your treatment plan:
- Intermittent catheterization: With this, you’ll insert a thin, flexible tube to drain the bladder fully, then remove it. These are one-time use, and you’ll need a certain number a day to stay consistent. For a child, a parent or caregiver often helps at first.
- Indwelling catheter: An indwelling catheter is designed to stay in place over time. It drains into a bag that you’ll change as often as necessary. Your provider typically sets the schedule for changing the bag as well as the catheter.
With both, you may find that there is a bit of a learning curve, and it is normal to feel unsure at first. It may feel a little uncomfortable, but it should not be painful.
Your provider decides which type is right for you, and they’ll give you guidance on which supplies you need and how often to order or replace them.
What If Your Child Has Diabetes?
Diabetic bladder is more uncommon in children, as the nerve damage that leads to diabetic bladder builds over many years.
But your child may still have bladder troubles if they have diabetes, and it’s worth watching for the signs and symptoms that something may need a provider check-in. For instance, if your child has trouble emptying their bladder, a pediatric urologist can work with your child’s diabetes care team to identify the cause and determine whether a catheter is appropriate.
If it does, many children learn intermittent catheterization with training from their care team, and parents often help at first. A school nurse can also help set up a plan, so your child has what they need during the school day.
Can Insurance Cover My Catheters?
In some cases, yes! That’s great news for those who rely on catheters and other incontinence supplies to live comfortably day-to-day.
The coverage depends on your plan and your state. Under Medicare coverage rules, Medicare may cover up to 200 intermittent catheters a month if basic coverage criteria are met.
But the exact number you qualify for will depend more on how often your doctor prescribes catheterization.
For instance, indwelling catheters are typically covered at one a month for routine maintenance. Medicaid varies by state for both types, so there is no single number that applies everywhere.
Children’s coverage typically comes through Medicaid, CHIP, or a parent’s private plan, so check your child’s plan for details.
A written order from your provider is required before supplies can be billed. If you need help, our team at UroStat Healthcare is here to handle the paperwork for you!
Do You Need Catheter Help? UroStat Can Help
If your provider determines that catheters should be part of your diabetic bladder treatment, it’s important to have the right supplies at the right time. We work with Medicare, Medicaid, and private insurance, and we deliver your supplies so restocking is one less thing to worry about.
Want to learn a bit more about the process? Read our guide to getting insurance-covered catheter supplies to see how it works. And call 888-845-8698 or check your eligibility online to see if you may qualify for catheter supplies and other needs.