SGLT2 inhibitors do not cause de novo urinary incontinence in diabetic female patients with chronic kidney disease.

PURPOSE: SGLT2 inhibitors have demonstrated significant cardiovascular and renal benefits, increasing their use in diabetic patients with chronic kidney disease (CKD). Concerns have been raised about their potential to exacerbate urinary incontinence (UI). This study evaluates the impact of SGLT2 inhibitors on de novo UI in female diabetic patients with CKD who were initially UI-free.

METHODS

This single-center, prospective cohort study was conducted from March 2023 to March 2024 at Gazi University Faculty of Medicine Hospital. Female diabetic patients with stage 2-4 CKD, who were UI-free, were included. Participants were assessed using the International Consultation on Incontinence Questionnaire Short Form (ICIQ-SF) and Incontinence Impact Questionnaire (IIQ-7) before and after initiating SGLT2 inhibitors (dapagliflozin 10 mg or empagliflozin 25 mg). Follow-up visits occurred between 30 and 90 days post-initiation. The primary outcome was the incidence of de novo UI, with secondary outcomes including the severity of UI and the occurrence of UTIs or genital infections.

RESULTS AND DISCUSSION: Among the 250 participants, only 4 (1.6%) reported mild UI symptoms after a mean follow-up of 50 ± 16 days. No symptomatic UTIs were observed, and two patients developed genital candidiasis. These findings challenge the concern that SGLT2 inhibitors exacerbate UI, even in an older, high-risk population.

CONCLUSION

SGLT2 inhibitors do not significantly increase the risk of de novo UI in elderly female diabetic patients with CKD, supporting their continued use for their cardiovascular and renal benefits.