Prediabetes May Protect against Incontinence Symptoms

Researchers have unexpectedly found evidence that the early stages of metabolic syndrome, insulin resistance, and the accompanying hyperinsulinemia may have favorable effects on lower urinary tract symptoms (LUTS). After analyzing 34,000 men aged 30 and older, they discovered that metabolic syndrome seemed to protect against LUTS. They observed a "marginally negative" association with LUTS after adjusting for age (P = 0.045). This negative association became more significant as the number of metabolic syndrome components increased (P trend < 0.01), especially with regard to voiding symptoms (P trend < 0.01). Increasing fasting insulin levels and severity of insulin resistance were both associated with a lower age-adjusted likelihood for LUTS (P < 0.01 and P < 0.03, respectively). J Urol. 2011;186:175-179.