How does diabetes affect the genitourinary system?

Diabetes significantly impacts the genitourinary system through various mechanisms, primarily leading to nerve damage and impairments in kidney function. High blood glucose levels characteristic of diabetes can result in diabetic neuropathy, affecting the nerves controlling the bladder and other components of the urinary tract. This can lead to urinary issues, including incontinence or difficulty in emptying the bladder completely.

Additionally, diabetes increases the risk of kidney disease, known as diabetic nephropathy. Over time, prolonged high glucose levels can damage the nephrons—tiny filtering units in the kidneys—leading to reduced kidney function and potentially progressing to more serious conditions. This may eventually result in chronic kidney disease or end-stage renal disease if not managed effectively.

This choice closely aligns with the documented consequences of diabetes on the genitourinary system, emphasizing the importance of monitoring and managing blood sugar levels to mitigate these effects. Other options might suggest certain outcomes like increased urine output or complete kidney failure, but these scenarios are either potential consequences of the underlying complications or too absolute to encompass the nuances of diabetic effects on kidney health.