Which systemic disease is listed as a cause of neurogenic bladder?

• A. Asthma
• B. Gout
• C. Flu
• D. Diabetes mellitus

Answer: (D)

Neurogenic bladder results when nerves that control bladder storage and voiding are damaged, often from systemic diseases that cause neuropathy. Diabetes mellitus is especially linked because chronic hyperglycemia damages small and autonomic nerves, including the pelvic nerves and the detrusor muscle. This autonomic neuropathy disrupts how the bladder fills and empties, leading to a range of issues from reduced bladder sensation and weak detrusor contractions with incomplete emptying to overactivity and incontinence, along with higher residual urine and infection risk. The other options do not typically cause bladder autonomic dysfunction via neuropathy, since asthma, gout, and flu affect different body systems and do not establish neurogenic changes in bladder control.