Many mid and long-term diabetics are affected by urinary incontinence. Urinary incontinence can mean several different things for different people. For some, urinary incontinence is a condition in which they cannot control their bladder at all, which leads to uncontrolled urination.

For others, urinary incontinence means that they cannot control their bladders during times of stress, such as during a laugh or sneeze. Many people have a combination of both of these different types of urinary incontinence.

While urinary incontinence can be unpleasant, there are some strategies you can use to help you manage the condition better – or even cure it. Here are some tips to help you manage urinary incontinence easily:

Change your normal behavior
There are several behavioral changes that you can make that may help you better control your urinary incontinence …or even start to correct it. One of these behavior methods is bladder training. With bladder training, you’ll need to delay urination when you feel the urge to go. Start by delaying urination by 10 minutes and work your way up to delaying it for a longer period of time.

Many people are able to treat their incontinence through scheduled urination. This means creating a schedule for when you will urinate and then urinating based on that schedule rather than based on the urge to go.

You may also be able to change your diet. Some people find relief by reducing alcohol, caffeine, and acidic food consumption. As long as you stay hydrated, you may also be able to reduce your fluid intake as well. Plus, as with many health-related issues, losing weight may go a long way in helping you to control incontinence.

Use bladder control pads
There are many different types of bladder control pads that may help to make urinary incontinence less problematic. These bladder control pads include bed pads that protect the mattress from bed-wetting, belted undergarments, pads that can be attached to undergarments, and more. Many people find it helpful to try several different products before selecting the right type for their needs and comfort level. Also, bladder control pads may be designed differently for men and women. Click here to view a selection of different bladder control pad options.

Build muscle strength
You may be able to control urinary incontinence by building muscle strength. One of the most important exercises is the pelvic floor muscle exercise, which strengthens the pelvic floor and urinary sphincter.

Pelvic floor exercises – also known as Kegel exercises – can be done anytime, anywhere. To do them correctly, simply squeeze the muscles that you use to stop the flow of urine, hold for three to 10 seconds, then release. Repeating this exercise a few times a day will build these muscles and may help you gain control over your urinary system

Medications may help
There are a variety of medications available that may help individuals suffering from urinary incontinence. These medications include topical estrogen, which is applied via a vaginal cream, patch, or ring and is designed to rejuvenate the tissues of the urethra and vaginal areas. Imipramine is an antidepressant that may be used to treat various forms of urinary incontinence.

Additionally, anticholinergics are common prescription medications that may help to calm an overactive bladder. These medications may include Ditropan, Detrol, Enablex, Vesicare, and Sanctura and may be especially helpful for individuals who have frequent urination during the night.

Remember: If you suffer from urinary incontinence, it is important to speak with your doctor right away. There may be options available to help you treat or reverse this condition. Also, urinary incontinence could be an indication of a developing medical complication that may need to be treated. Your doctor can properly diagnose and treat your specific urinary incontinence situation.