Do children with T1D struggle with bowel and bladder issues? A large survey published in Pediatric Diabetes confirms this.

The survey compared 242 children with T1D to 86 healthy controls, aged 5 to 16 years. Results showed that 21.5% of children with T1D had bladder and bowel dysfunction (BBD) compared to 10.5% in those without diabetes.

Among affected children with T1D, irritative urinary symptoms were the most common; however, urinary incontinence caused the most significant distress. Poorer blood sugar control was strongly linked to a higher likelihood of BBD. Children with more severe symptoms reported a greater impact on daily life.