Relationship Between Lower Urinary Tract Problems and Quality of Life in Women with Type 2 Diabetes

Background: This study aimed to examine the relationship between lower urinary tract symptoms and quality of life in women with type 2 diabetes. Materials and Methods: The population of this descriptive cross-sectional study consisted of women with type 2 diabetes who presented to the Urology, and Endocrinology and Metabolism Diseases outpatient clinics for examination between 15 May and 15 November 2025. In the study sample, 372 women were included. Data were collected through face-to-face interviews in outpatient clinics. Hierarchical multiple linear regression and sensitivity analyses were performed. Results: The mean age of the 372 participants was 53.23 ± 13.13 years, and the mean duration of diabetes was 8.81 years. Overall, 52.2% reported a urinary tract infection within the previous six months. The mean BFLUTS-SF total score was 28.63 ± 16.75. Higher BFLUTS-SF scores were negatively correlated with SF-36 dimensions, particularly social functioning (r = −0.562) and bodily pain (r = −0.559). Hierarchical regression analyses revealed significant negative associations between lower urinary tract symptom burden and quality-of-life dimensions after adjustment for relevant sociodemographic and clinical variables. Sensitivity analyses using the combined BFLUTS-LUTS symptom score supported these findings. Conclusions and Recommendations: Greater lower urinary tract symptom burden was associated with poorer health-related quality of life in women with type 2 diabetes, particularly in social functioning, bodily pain, and physical functioning. These findings highlight the importance of routinely assessing lower urinary tract symptoms alongside glycemic parameters in diabetes management. Early identification and multidisciplinary interventions may help address symptom burden and improve quality of life.