What Is Diabetes Insipidus? It’s not diabetes mellitus (also known as Type 1 or juvenile diabetes), nor is it an uncommon urinary tract infection—even though both are commonly confused with the condition.
Instead, diabetes insipidus, sometimes abbreviated as DI, refers to a group of rare diseases in which the body cannot regulate fluid and electrolyte levels in the blood, causing serious and potentially life-threatening symptoms if left untreated.
What is Diabetes Insipidus?
Diabetes insipidus is a condition where the body does not produce enough of the hormone vasopressin, or when the kidneys are unable to respond properly to vasopressin.
Although it is often called water diabetes, this condition has nothing to do with blood sugar levels.
Who Does It Affect?
According to the National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases, diabetes insipidus (DI) affects men and women equally.
The disorder is most often diagnosed in children and young adults, although it can occur at any age. DI can be inherited, or it may be caused by damage to the pituitary gland or the kidneys.
Who Has it?
Anyone can get diabetes insipidus, but it is most commonly seen in children. It occurs when the body doesn't produce enough of the hormone vasopressin, which helps regulate the body's water balance.
Without vasopressin, the body cannot reabsorb water from the kidneys, leading to excessive urination and dehydration.
What Are the Causes of Diabetes Insipidus?
There are many potential causes of diabetes insipidus, but the most common is a problem with the pituitary gland.
- The pituitary gland is responsible for producing a hormone called vasopressin, which helps the body regulate water balance.
What Are Its Symptoms?
Symptoms of diabetes insipidus are
increased thirst, urination, weight loss, and dry mouth.
In children, bedwetting may also be a symptom. If left untreated, diabetes insipidus can lead to dehydration and coma.
How Is DI Treated?
Treatment for diabetes insipidus depends on the underlying cause. If the cause is a medication, your doctor will likely take you off the drug or adjust the dosage.
If DI is caused by an illness or injury, treatment focuses on correcting the underlying problem. For example, if you have a head injury that caused DI, treatment will focus on your recovery. You may also need to take medication to replace the fluid you’re losing through increased urination.
, nor is it an uncommon urinary tract in…){kind=link}
Comments
Post a Comment