Nephrogenic Diabetes Insipidus

Signs and Symptoms of Diabetes Insipidus

Diabetes Insipidus is considered as an uncommon condition that occurs when the kidney losses its ability to conserve water when filtering harmful toxins in the blood. Because of this, people who developed Diabetes Insipidus usually experience a frequent urge to urinate, and often these people feel thirsty as well. However, you should bear in mind that this type of diabetes is not due to an increase in blood-glucose levels.

The Hypothalamus

Normally, a hormone known as ADH (antidiuretic hormone) regulates the volume of water that the kidneys are releasing. ADH, also referred as vasopressin (VAS-oh-pres-in), is actually a hormone which is secreted in one region of the brain called the “hypothalamus” (HY-puh-thal-uh-muss). On the other hand, it is the “pituitary” (pee-TOO-ee-ter-ee) gland, which can be found at the base of the brain, that releases the vasopressin to be able to control the volume of urine.

Having said that, a person suffering from Diabetes Insipidus (in-Sip-i-duh S), doesn’t have ADH (a condition known as central Diabetes Insipidus), or it can be that the person’s kidneys don’t respond to ADH (a condition termed as nephrogenic (NE-froj-e-nik) Diabetes Insipidus (in-SIP-i-duss). As a result, the patient will experience frequent urination, and at the same time, inducing thirst as well.

Factors that contribute to Diabetes Insipidus

Almost all cases of Central Diabetes Insipidus is induced by brain damage, specifically in the location where the pituitary and the hypothalamus is situated. However, in some rare cases, this condition can be accidentally acquired through infection, cancerous growths, or even head injuries that have caused trauma to the brain.

On the other side, Nephrogenic Diabetes Insipidus is usually caused by medications, which disrupts the capability of the kidneys to reabsorb or regain the water back into the circulation.

Complications of Diabetes Insipidus

• Dry and Scaly Skin
• Mucous Membranes are Dry
• Sunken Eyes
• Fever
• Rapid Heart Rate
• Unexplained Weight Loss
• Fatigue
• Electrolyte Imbalance
• Headaches
• Irritability
• Muscle Pain
• Skin Dryness

Diabetes Insipidus Treatment

Central Diabetes Insipidus is easily treated with medications that replaces the lost hormone. Vasopressin is an example of this medication; it is given orally by means of tablets or can be applied as well by using nasal spray.

Nephrogenic Diabetes Insipidus can be caused by the medications that the person is taking. And once the medications that cause the condition are stopped; the disorder will be corrected as well. The doctor will probably advise the person to drink plenty of water to replenish the fluids that the body expels. On top of that, patients with Nephrogenic Diabetes Insipidus should also take prescribed medications to minimize the urge to urinate.

Get in touch with your healthcare provider immediately if you believe that you have Diabetes Insipidus.