Khaberni - Diabetes insipidus can lead to severe dehydration. Therefore, it is essential to recognize the main symptoms of diabetes insipidus, understand the major causes, and the methods of diagnosis and treatment to prevent any complications.
Diabetes insipidus is a rare hormonal disorder that disrupts the body's fluid balance, causing extreme thirst and large urine output, which in turn increases the risk of dehydration. Although its symptoms resemble those of diabetes, it is different.
The difference between diabetes and diabetes insipidus is that diabetes is caused by insulin resistance or deficiency, leading to elevated blood sugar levels. In contrast, diabetes insipidus leads to a fluid balance disorder in the body, resulting in excessive urination beyond normal rates along with increased thirst. The symptoms of diabetes insipidus differ from those of diabetes, although there are some common symptoms.
The causes of diabetes insipidus are specific to its types:
1. Central diabetes insipidus is the most common type, resulting from damage to the pituitary gland causing it to produce insufficient vasopressin, which helps regulate body fluids, or from head injuries, tumors, or surgeries, affecting vasopressin production.
2. Nephrogenic diabetes insipidus occurs when there is a defect in the kidney tubules, making the kidneys unable to respond correctly to antidiuretic hormone (ADH). It can also result from genetic disorders or certain medications.
3. Gestational diabetes insipidus is a rare disorder that occurs during pregnancy due to the destruction of antidiuretic hormone by an enzyme produced by the placenta.
The most common symptoms of diabetes insipidus include:
Excessive urination
Severe thirst
An increase in the consumption of cold drinks
Sleep disturbances due to frequent nighttime urination
Dehydration
In severe cases, the amount of urine may reach up to about 19 liters per day if a lot of fluid is consumed, while normal urination for a healthy person is usually between 1 to 2 liters a day.
Complications of diabetes insipidus symptoms in cases of severe dehydration without treatment can elevate blood sodium levels, leading to neurological symptoms such as:
Confusion
Dry skin
Dizziness and nausea
Weight loss
Seizures
Coma
Kidney damage
Permanent brain damage and potential death
Symptoms of diabetes insipidus in children may vary from one child to another, but the most common are:
Sleep difficulties
Crying without an apparent reason
Vomiting
Weight loss
Growth delays
To diagnose diabetes insipidus, some tests and analyses are used by doctors:
1. Water deprivation test may require the patient to refrain from drinking fluids for several hours under medical supervision to measure changes in body weight and determine urine and blood concentrations.
2. Urine analysis tests the concentration of salt and other residues by analyzing a urine sample. If the person has diabetes insipidus, the result will show a high water concentration compared to lower residue concentrations.
3. MRI scans are used to check for any brain tissue damage causing the symptoms of diabetes insipidus.
4. Genetic testing may be pursued based on family medical history. If symptoms have appeared in family members, the doctor may recommend this test.
Treatment of diabetes insipidus typically is not necessary in mild cases. In mild situations, the patient may simply need to increase water intake to compensate for the fluids lost due to frequent urination.
However, it is always advisable to consult a doctor, as treatment depends on the diagnosis and severity of the condition. Treatment methods vary according to each type:
Treatment for central diabetes insipidus if mild symptoms may just require increased daily fluid intake. If it results from a pituitary gland issue, then treating the underlying cause is necessary.
The most common treatments involve hormone therapy, using desmopressin, a synthetic form of vasopressin, available as tablets, injections, or nasal sprays.
Treatment for nephrogenic diabetes insipidus might include a low-salt diet to help reduce urine volume from the kidneys and drinking more fluids to prevent dehydration.
If the symptoms are caused by certain medications, your doctor may help you stop or replace them.
Treatment for gestational diabetes insipidus is mostly managed with synthetic desmopressin to control urination and stop involuntary urination.
After learning about the symptoms of diabetes insipidus and methods of diagnosis and treatment, always take care of your health and consult your doctor if you suspect any medical symptoms that may affect your health.
Natural treatments for diabetes insipidus patients may benefit from following these tips to manage symptoms:
Changing the diet to include more vegetables and fruits rich in water can help compensate for the lost fluids. Examples include consuming zucchini, cucumber, spinach, kiwi, and coconut water.
On the other hand, avoid processed foods containing preservatives and high sodium levels. It is also advisable to avoid carbonated drinks and caffeinated beverages.
Drinking more fluids is essential for those experiencing symptoms of diabetes insipidus to compensate for the loss and alleviate excessive thirst, thereby avoiding complications of untreated diabetes insipidus.
Check your medications as some prescribed drugs can affect electrolyte balance in the body. Therefore, follow your doctor's instructions and avoid taking any medications before consulting your doctor to prevent severe health complications.
