Urinary stone disease in diabetes mellitus

Objective: Diabetes mellitus (DM) and urinary stone disease (USD) are common diseases in the community. The prevalence of USD has not previously been studied in DM patients. Material and Methods: We evaluated 286 diabetics and 111 age-matched controls by means of direct urinary system X-ray, ultrasonography and/or intravenous pyelography. We also examined the history, risk factors and clinical aspects of USD in DM patients. Results: The prevalence of USD (21% vs 8%; p < 0.05) and the rate of recurrence (2.1 +/- 2.2 vs 1.3 +/- 0.5 stones/case; p < 0.05) were higher in the diabetics compared to the controls. Family history and male gender were significant risk factors for the development of USD in the DM patients. Increased daily total fluid consumption was not preventive for USD in the DM patients, and the type of fluid consumed did not have an impact on the risk of USD. Alcohol consumption was a significant risk factor for the development USD in the DM patients (odds ratio 3.68; 95% confidence interval 1.29-10.45; p < 0.05). Crystaluria (10% vs 1%; p < 0.05) and positive urine culture (8% vs 1%; p < 0.05) were also more prominent in the diabetics compared to the controls. Conclusions: The results of this study suggest that DM is a risk factor for the development USD.