What’s the link between diabetes and continence?

Diabetes can impact the body’s nervous system, including the nerves that control bladder and bowel function. Over time, this can lead to:

• Urge incontinence, diabetes effects the bladder and it’s nerve supply
• Overflow incontinence, where the bladder doesn’t empty properly due to a neurogenic bladder
• Frequent urination at night (nocturia), disrupting sleep
• Constipation or faecal incontinence, linked to slower bowel movement or nerve damage

These symptoms are common, but they’re not always recognised or discussed. For the person experiencing them, they can be distressing and isolating, often impacting confidence, social life and even diabetes management itself.

If you're living with diabetes and notice changes in continence, talk to your healthcare professional. There are options that can help.

What healthcare teams need to know

For nurses, GPs, diabetes educators and care teams, being aware of these links can make a big difference. Incontinence may be the reason a patient avoids exercise, cuts back on fluids or becomes withdrawn from social activities.

By raising the topic gently and confidently, health professionals can:

• Spot early warning signs
• Prevent skin issues, infections or hospital visits
• Offer practical continence management options
• Support mental wellbeing and self-care

Ontex supports professionals across aged care, hospitals and home care with education, training and clinical support. To learn more, visit ontexhealthcare.com.au.

Sarah’s story

Sarah*, 64, has managed type 2 diabetes for more than a decade. When she began experiencing leaks during the night and rushing to the toilet during the day, she assumed it was simply part of ageing.

“I stopped going out as much. I’d map out where the toilets were. I didn’t really talk about it with anyone,” she said.

With the help of her nurse and a continence plan that included Ontex products, Sarah found her confidence again.

“I wasn’t expecting a product to make that much difference. But now I feel like I’m in control. I’ve got my independence back.”

We’re proud to support stories like Sarah’s, with discreet, reliable solutions that fit into everyday life.

How Ontex Healthcare can help

At Ontex, we offer a wide range of continence care products designed for comfort, discretion and performance. Our products support:

• People living independently with diabetes-related incontinence
• Residents in aged care or supported living
• Carers and healthcare providers looking for trusted, easy-to-use solutions

From pull-up pants and pads to all-in-one briefs and bed protection, our range is designed to help people stay active, comfortable and protected throughout the day and night.

Order a free product sample or try our product selector tool to find the right solution.

Let’s make continence part of the conversation

Continence issues linked to diabetes are often invisible. But they matter. They affect quality of life, confidence and overall wellbeing. And they’re manageable when the right care is in place.

This National Diabetes Week, we’re encouraging healthcare providers, carers and individuals to talk more openly, ask more questions, and seek the right support.

Continence care is not separate from diabetes care. It’s part of it. And when it’s handled well, it helps people live with confidence, dignity and control.

Learn more at ontexhealthcare.com.au

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*Name changed for privacy