Kegel exercises to improve bladder function in patient with type 2 diabetes and urinary incontinence

Abstract

According to data from the World Health Organization (WHO), around 200 million people worldwide experience urinary incontinence. Patients with diabetes mellitus often exhibit characteristics such as polyuria, caused by elevated blood glucose levels that exceed the kidney’s ability to absorb glucose. This results in osmotic diuresis, where excess glucose pulls fluids and electrolytes, leading to frequent urination. Urinary incontinence is best initially managed with non-pharmacological approaches, such as Kegel exercises. This study aims to assess the effectiveness of Kegel exercises in improving bladder function for diabetes mellitus patients with urinary incontinence. The patient reported difficulty holding urine, especially while coughing or laughing, and had a history of diabetes mellitus. The frequency of urination was initially 10 times per day. On the first day of the study, the patient’s urination frequency remained high. By the second day, the frequency decreased to 9 times per day. By the final day, the patient was urinating 9 times daily, and episodes of urine leakage during coughing, laughing, or standing had significantly reduced. These findings suggest that Kegel exercises, when performed consistently, can effectively manage urinary incontinence in diabetic patients.

Keywords: Kegel exercise; diabetes care; urinary incontinence; adult nursing; hospital care