Association between Diabetes Mellitus and Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia

Background: Previous studies had documented a causal relationship between diabetes mellitus (DM) and benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH) through hyperinsulinaemia and increased serum levels of insulin-like growth factor-1 (IGF-1). These growth factors contribute to prostatic enlargement and may cause lower urinary tract symptoms (LUTS) and increase symptom severity in BPH patients. This study was aimed at associating DM with clinical parameters of BPH. Materials and Method: This was a retrospective study of one hundred and sixteen (116) BPH patients carried out over a year period. Their clinical, laboratory and imaging study results were retrieved from their case files. Eligible patients were taken through a structured questionnaire during their clinic visits. This questionnaire assesses severity of LUTS in BPH patients called the International Prostate Symptom Score (IPSS) and quality of life scale. All data were entered into a structured proforma and analyzed using the statistical package for social sciences (SPSS) version 20.0 software. Diabetic patients were selected based on the clinical history of diabetes mellitus (DM). Results: One hundred and Sixteen (116) patients aged between 43 and 82 years with a mean age of 63.10±8.89 years were studied. Diabetic patients were older than non-diabetics. They also had higher clinical parameters of BPH namely; higher prostate volume (PV), higher symptom scores both voiding and storage and a poorer quality of life from symptom-bother. Conclusion: Diabetic men have higher prostate volume which can precipitate LUTS, cause BPH progression and symptom severity.