Urological complications are prevalent and frequently co-occur in persons with type 1 diabetes, according to a recent study. This ancillary longitudinal study among participants in the Diabetes Control and Complications Trial and observational follow-up study, Epidemiology of Diabetes Interventions and Complications (652 women and 713 men), was conducted in 2003 and 2010/2011. Urinary incontinence (UI), lower-urinary tract symptoms, urinary tract infection, female sexual dysfunction, erectile dysfunction, low male sexual desire, and orgasmic dysfunction were measured with validated instruments. Logistic regression determined association of complications with demographics and clinical characteristics. Researchers found:

• Of sexually active women completing the 2010/2011 survey, 35% reported no complications, 39% had 1, 19% 2, 5% 3, and 2% 4.
• In men, 31% had no complications, 36% had 1, 22% 2, 9% 3, and 3% 4.
• Sexual dysfunction was most prevalent (42% women and 45% men) followed by UI in women (31%) and low sexual desire in men (40%).
• Urological complications were associated with age, body mass index (BMI), and HbA1c.
• Remission rates ranged from 4 to 12% over the 7-year interval between surveys.