Risk factors for urinary incontinence among women with type 1 diabetes: findings from the epidemiology of diabetes interventions and complications study.

OBJECTIVES

To determine risk factors for, and long-term effects of, glycemic control on urinary incontinence among women with type 1 diabetes enrolled in the Epidemiology of Diabetes Interventions and Complications study.

METHODS

The Diabetes Control and Complications Trial (1982-1993) cohort follow-up, Epidemiology of Diabetes Interventions and Complications trial, began in 1994. In 2004, the female participants (n = 550) completed a self-administered questionnaire on incontinence. Our primary outcome was weekly or greater incontinence, overall and by type. Multivariate regression models were used to determine independent predictors of weekly urinary incontinence, both overall and by type.

RESULTS

Overall, 38% of women reported any incontinence and 17% reported weekly or greater incontinence. An increasing body mass index (odds ratio 1.1, 95% confidence interval 1.1-1.2) was significantly associated with weekly incontinence, overall and by type. Advancing age and >/=2 urinary tract infections in the previous year were associated with weekly urge incontinence (odds ratio 1.4, 95% confidence interval 1.0-2.0 per 5 years, and odds ratio 4.9, 95% confidence interval 1.8-13.5, respectively). Weaker evidence was seen for increased risk with age for overall weekly incontinence (22% per 5 years, P = .06) and stress incontinence (21% per 5 years, P = .08).

CONCLUSIONS

Urinary incontinence is common among women with type 1 diabetes and the risk factors, including advancing age, increased weight, and previous urinary tract infection, are important. Weight reduction and the treatment of urinary tract infections might have the additional benefit of preventing incontinence or reducing its severity.