Endocrine Abstracts

Introduction: Patients with Diabetes have a higher risk of lower urinary tract dysfunction/symptoms (LUTS) compared to those without diabetes. Causative factors include autonomic, detrusor, and urothelial dysfunction, microvascular ischaemic changes, and glycosuria. With a shift towards holistic diabetes management, this study examined whether urinary dysfunction is routinely addressed in outpatient settings and whether Diabetes speciality teams feel equipped to manage this issue. The prevalence of LUTS among patients was also surveyed.

Methods: A 10-question multiple-choice survey was emailed to all current Irish Endocrine Society (IES) members. Respondents ranked treatment options by preference. Data was aggregated, and mean values for each category were compiled. Subgroup analyses compared responses between consultants, trainees, and nurse specialists. A separate questionnaire was distributed to patients attending diabetes outpatient clinics at St James’s Hospital.

Results: Responses were received from 43 diabetes specialist doctors and nurse specialists. Over 80% were aware that patients with diabetes experience more bothersome LUTS, yet only 18% routinely inquired about urinary dysfunction in clinic. About 51% had prescribed pharmacotherapy for LUTS, with alpha blockers being the most common. Nearly 80% cited clinic time constraints as the main barrier to assessing LUTS, and over 50% felt they lacked expertise in managing urinary dysfunction. A preliminary review of the first 40 patient responses revealed that 70% experienced LUTS, with 60% finding them bothersome. Less than 30% had discussed these issues with a healthcare provider, and only 15% had received medical treatment.

Conclusion: Despite awareness among diabetes specialist team that patients have a higher burden of LUTS, these issues are not routinely assessed or managed in outpatient settings. Clinic time constraints and a lack of expertise were identified as significant barriers. The patient survey underscores that LUTS is a common, yet under-addressed, issue in this population.