This study analyzed data from the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey 2007-2018 to explore the association between diabetes, systemic inflammation, and overactive bladder (OAB) in adults. Among 23,863 participants, OAB prevalence was significantly higher in individuals with diabetes, with a 77% increased risk compared to those without diabetes. Key diabetes-related markers, including glycohemoglobin, fasting glucose, and insulin, were positively associated with OAB, and inflammatory markers such as white blood cell and neutrophil counts were found to mediate this relationship. Machine learning highlighted glycohemoglobin as the most significant marker for bladder overactivity, reinforcing the link between systemic inflammation and OAB.

The study provides robust evidence from a large population sample, emphasizing the role of systemic inflammation in diabetes-associated OAB and suggesting glycohemoglobin as a critical marker. These findings underscore the need for further research into the mechanisms linking diabetes, inflammation, and OAB. This study marks a significant step in understanding OAB’s pathophysiology and its relationship with systemic health.

Reference: He Q, Wu L, Deng C, He J, Wen J, Wei C, You Z. Diabetes mellitus, systemic inflammation and overactive bladder. Front Endocrinol (Lausanne). 2024;15:1386639. doi: 10.3389/fendo.2024.1386639.