Understanding Diabetes Insipidus
This Form of Diabetes Differs Greatly From Diabetes Mellitus
Aug 8, 2009
Diabetes Insipidus (DI), also referred to as “water diabetes”, is a condition that is not related to Diabetes Mellitus. Unlike Diabetes Mellitus or “sugar diabetes” it does not cause the person to present with high blood sugars. Instead it simply causes a person to have excessive thirst and frequent urination. In some cases this can be a life threatening condition. Getting prompt medical care is essential to successful treatment of the condition.
Four Types of DI
Diabetes Insipidus should never be confused with Diabetes I or Diabetes II. It is does not cause the person to have high blood sugar. So it will not be caught during routine glucose level checks. Like Diabetes I and II, it does cause the patient to have increased and excessive thirst which leads the person to have frequent urination. This will essentially be the only resemblance of the two diseases. The website for Diabetes Insipidus defines frequent urination as 50 ML within a two hour period. The Diabetes Insipidus Organization reports that this condition can be broken down into four main types:
- Neurogenic – Is sometimes developed after a head injury or brain surgery and results after due to a lack of vasopressin;
- Nephrogenic – Occurs when the kidneys become insensitive to vasopressin;
- Gestagenic – Occurs during pregnancy when there is a deficiency of vasopressin;
- Dispogenic – Occurs after an abnormal thirst and an excessive intake of water.
Although all four categories are very serious the first three categories (Neurogenic, Nephrogenic and Gestagenic) are caused by a lack of vasopressin which is a hormone that acts as an anti-diuretic. Getting prompt medical treatment is necessary to avoid any permanent or life threatening problems.
Prevention
Unfortunately, DI cannot always be prevented. DI is sometimes caused by congenital defects that are present at birth. In other cases DI is brought on as a side effect from an illness. However, if the person is suffering from an illness that may cause DI then treating the disease early can prevent this dangerous condition from occurring.
Having proper medical care from a physician is a critical part of properly treating this condition. If you suspect that you have this condition you should immediately see a physician. Delaying medical treatment can worsen the effect of the illness on your overall health. It may even lead to a life threatening condition that may cause you to be hospitalized. Following the physician’s recommendations and taking the prescribed medication are very important.
Diabetes Insipidus Organization; What is Diabetes Insipidus? 2009
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