Effect of Transcutaneous Tibial Nerve Stimulation on the Overactive Bladder in Women with Type 2 Diabetes

Background and Aims Diabetes mellitus is one of the most prevalent metabolic conditions in the world. One of its consequences is overactive bladder (OAB), which is a syndrome whose symptoms appear during the urine storage phase in the form of increased urinary frequency or urinary urgency. The prevalence of this disorder is estimated to be 22.5-24.2 % in people with type 2 diabetes (T2D). Recently, a useful technique for the treatment of OAB, named transcutaneous tibial nerve stimulation (TTNS), has been introduced. This study aims to investigate the effect of TTNS in women with T2D and OAB. Methods This randomized, double-blind clinical trial was conducted on 40 women with T2D and OAB symptoms, who were divided into two control and intervention groups. The control group performed pelvic floor muscle (PFM) training daily for one month, while the intervention group received 12 sessions of TTNS combined with PFM training. Before and after the intervention, the lower urinary tract symptoms were recorded using the Persian version of the International Consultation on Incontinence Modular Questionnaire for Female Lower Urinary Tract Symptoms (ICIQ-FLUTS). Independent t-test, paired t-test, Wilcoxon test, Mann-Whitney U test, and chi-square test were performed for data analysis using SPSS software, version 24. Results There was no significant difference between the two groups in the ICIQ-FLUTS score, incontinence quality of life, or PFM strength, and endurance (P>0.05). However, their scores were significantly different after treatment in each group compared to the pre-treatment phase (P≤0.05). Conclusion The combination of TTNS and PFM training has no advantage over PFM training alone in managing OAB symptoms and improving PFM strength and quality of life in women with T2D.