Diabetes Insipidus (DI) is a condition characterized by excessive thirst and the production of large amounts of highly diluted urine. The amount of fluid intake appears to have no effect on the need to urinate.
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The symptoms of diabetes insipidus may seem similar to that of diabetes mellitus except that on analysis the urine of diabetes insipidus sufferers is not sweet; in other words they are not excreting glucose. Another characteristic is that with DI their eyesight does not become blurred and they are prone to dehydration if they do not maintain their intake of fluids. There are several causes of diabetes insipidus, each with its own remedy.
Neurogenic Diabetes Insipidus is caused by a lack of arginine vasopressin, an antidiuretic hormone in the brain. Treatment by medical supplementation of desmopressin restores normal excretion habits.
Nephrogenic Diabetes Insipidus is an inability of the kidneys to respond to arginine vasopressin. This may be hereditary or acquired by iatrogenic (medical drug induced) causes. Treatment is by medical supplementation of a thiazide diuretic to improve kidney function or, in extreme cases, kidney transplant.
Dipsogenic Diabetes Insipidus is caused by a dysfunction in the thirst mechanism located in the hypothalamus. This may be triggered by excessive habitual drinking, which suppresses arginine vasopressin production or an event such as a head injury. Treatment will depend on cause but generally requires voluntary reduction of fluid intake.
Gestational Diabetes Insipidus only occurs during pregnancy. While all pregnant women produce the enzyme vasopressinase in the placenta, which breaks down arginine vasopressin, this can assume extreme forms in GDI. Most cases of gestational DI can be treated with desmopressin. In rare cases, however, an abnormality in the thirst mechanism causes gestational DI, and desmopressin should not be used.
If you suspect you have diabetes insipidus or any other form of diabetes, it is essential that you get a professional diagnosis. Failure to do so may lead to a worsening of symptoms and debilitating side-effects. Medical treatment and natural remedies can be combined to treat most forms of diabetes and it is in your best interests to research these thoroughly. |
