[Fecal incontinence in elderly diabeteic patients].

Faecal incontinence is a challenging clinical condition in the elderly diabetic patient and has a significant impact on the overall quality of life, but is often neglected by the care giving professionals. Up to 22% of diabetic patients have faecal incontinence depending on the definition applied. Multiple factors are almost always involved in the pathophysiology of faecal incontinence, including physiological age-related changes, diabetic neuropathy, multimorbidity and polymedication. As for constipation, the use of a stepwise approach for the diagnosis of faecal incontinence is highly recommended. The verification of the diagnosis and underlying causes of faecal incontinence are important for improving the quality of life, as well as the employment of the appropriate therapy particularly in the case of the elderly diabetic patient. Treatment options include, in addition to an optimised blood sugar control, the use of conservative measures, bio-feedback therapy and surgical interventions.