Diabetes insipidus is rare disease characterized by presence of excess of urination and thirst. Huge amount of urine is excreted from body about 5 to 10 liters per 24 hours. This urine doesn’t contain protein or glucose but is diluted.
Diabetes insipidus is characterized by low levels of antidiuretic hormone or ADH in the body. A hormone is secreted from the hypothalamus and it acts on the kidneys. Therefore, defect can be present at the level of brain or at the level of kidney function. Diabetes insipidus can occur after a trauma or injury to the head causing retarded function of hypothalamus. It is characterized by excessive thirst and frequent urination.
The patient with this type of diabetes must keep adequate fluid intake else they are highly prone to suffer from dehydration. Other features that mark diabetes insipidus are early fatigue, dry mouth, weakness, thirst and dry skin. Diabetes insipidus is detected by using water deprivation test that can even differentiate the root cause of the disease.
The levels of ADH and osmolality of urine are also checked. It is treated through desmopressin which is chemically similar to ADH. Patients need to keep their water balance maintained and to keep the normal levels of sodium in the body. Excess of drugs must not be taken else water intoxication and low sodium levels can be proved to be hazardous. Another type of drugs called thiazide diuretics and NSAIDs are also used. Please consult your physician before using any kind of drugs.
Diabetes insipidus can cause weakness, fatigue and excessive drowsiness to the patient. The disease is not related to glucose metabolism but to the decreased kidney function and deficit ADH levels which cause low water retention in the body on account of excessive urination and this further cause great thirst. Patient has to cope up with the rigorous task of water maintenance and to keep oneself hydrated.
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