Diabetes Insipidus Prevention
Diabetes insipidus which is not to be confused with diabetes mellitus is an extremely rare disease which results from the failure to generate adequate amounts of vasopressin, which is an antidiuretic hormone (ADH).
Vasopressin is created in the hypothalamus and secreted by the pituitary gland at the base of the brain. It aids the kidneys in the reabsorbing of water and maintenance of appropriate fluid stability. If for any reason the pituitary stops working and does not generate enough ADH, water is not preserved but simply passed thru the kidneys and excreted. And this is done in large quantities.
The reduction of vasopressin which is associated with central diabetes inspidus may be caused by damage or an injury to either the hypothalamus or pituitary gland. This damage or injury can have many forms such as surgery, inflammation, infection, tumor, cancer or an injury to the head.
Often the cause is unknown. In very rare cases, central diabetes inspidus can be a genetic defect.
More rare still is when the kidneys fail to react to ADH; this is known as nephrogenic diabetes insipidus. The major causes of this type of diabetes insipidus are causes which often can not be protected against.
Dehydration is the major health risk which is associated with either form of this disease. Diabetes insipidus affects both males and females equally. With proper treatment, prognosis is good.
There is no known way to prevent diabetes insipidus from the traditional standpoint. But there are some safety measures that can be used as prevention. They include:
- Stress management
- Wearing helmets to protect the head when biking or skateboarding
- Seat belts in the car
- Personal protective equipment
- Management of any kidney problems
- Avoiding prescription medications not belonging to you
Diabetes insipidus in all its forms is extremely rare and its symptoms are often mistaken for diabetes mellitus.
