Implications of diabetes mellitus in urology

Historically, it has widely been accepted that urologic and neuropathic problems occur as late complications in the disease process of diabetes mellitus. There is recent evidence, however, that diabetic neuropathy can occur early in the disease process with urologic manifestation. This article focuses on the complications of diabete mellitus on bladder (diabetic cystopathy) and erectile function. The most important and frustrating issues with diabetic cystopathy are its insidious onset and the permanent damage that has hampered attempted treatments. Recent studies revealed that several kinds of neurotrophic factors and other growth factors might be important for the pathogenesis of diabetic cystopathy. Therefore, neurotrophic factors may be used to reverse the effects of diabetic cystopathy on bladder function.