What is Diabetes Insipidus?

When we think of diabetes, what comes to our mind is usually “sugar” diabetes, commonly known as diabetes mellitus. However, there is also an entirely different kind of diabetes that has similar symptoms but occurs for completely different reasons. This type of diabetes is called diabetes insipidus, which is also known as “water” diabetes. Although most of the symptoms of diabetes insipidus and diabetes mellitus appear quite similar, both the diseases are very different in nature. While diabetes mellitus is the body’s inability to efficiently use the sugar from the bloodstream as it is supposed to, diabetes insipidus is a problem that directly affects the kidneys and their ability to regulate the amount of fluid within the body. This disease is generally defined by increased thirst and increased urine output.

Causes of Diabetes Insipidus:

Malfunctioning of two areas of the body can cause a type of diabetes insipidus. The first type occurs when there is damage to the hypothalamus or pituitary gland. This damage can happen as a result of surgery, tumor, injury or illness. The reason that this can become a problem is that the hypothalamus is responsible for the production of a hormone know as the anti-diuretic hormone (ADH), also known as vasopressin. ADH will concentrate the urine within the body, and regulate the amount of fluid the body can handle. When the hypothalamus is damaged to the point of not being able to produce the appropriate amount of ADH, the result is that the fluid in your body becomes out of balance, and central diabetes insipidus may be diagnosed.

Another possible cause of diabetes insipidus has to do with the function of the kidneys. Kidneys are responsible for the elimination of excess fluid from your body in the form of urination. These organs know how much and when to eliminate based on their reaction to the ADH in the body. If the kidneys become damaged so that they cannot process ADH properly, nephrogenic diabetes insipidus may occur. This damage can happen as a result of a genetic disorder, and kidney defect or a response to certain types of medication. In approximately one-fourth of all cases of nephrogenic diabetes insipidus, doctors may not be able to determine the cause at all.

Treatment of Diabetes Insipidus:

Treatment of diabetes insipidus largely depends on the type of diabetes that you have. In some cases, simply increasing water intake will be enough to manage the disease. In other cases, medication can be given to decrease urine output. This type of treatment is particularly helpful for those who cannot get a full night of sleep because they have to get up and go to the bathroom frequently. Make an appointment with your doctor if you think that you may be suffering from diabetes insipidus so that, the diagnosis and exact cause can be determined, and the most effective treatment options can be explored.