Diabetes Insipidus Symptoms

Diabetes Insipidus is a disease or condition involving the kidneys and the inability to retain necessary fluid. This leads to extreme thirst as well as increase in urination.

Dissimilar from diabetes mellitus where there is an increase of blood glucose by an insulin none production, diabetes insipidus, which is a rare condition, involving the kidneys which are unable to preserve water while filtering the blood in the kidneys. This has to do with the antidiuretic hormone vasopressin (ADH). ADH is produced in the hypothalamus and area of the brain, and sends messages to the pituitary gland concerning storage and release of fluid out or into the body.

Central diabetes insipidus happens because of a lack of ADH. Nephrogenic diabetic insipidus happens when the kidneys are unable to respond to ADH.

The major symptoms of both these types of diabetes insipidus are excessive thirst and increased urination. The patient may be drinking great amounts of waters but immediately looses it in urination. Nephrogenic diabetic insipidus may be caused by kidney disease example: polycystic kidney disease as well as by the effects of various drugs or medication. Central diabetes insipidus is caused by a tumor or damage to the hypothalamus or pituitary gland.

In diabetes insipidus, the symptom of extreme thirst is normally a thirst for ice cold water. The increased volume of diluted urine often reaches 2.5 liters a day or more. Another symptom of diabetes insipidus is known as nocturia which is awaking in the middle of the night by the need to urinate. Bed wetting can also become a problem.

Diabetes insipidus can affect the body by causing extreme dehydration because the body is not retaining an sufficient amount of water to function properly. Dehydration is a complication which has the symptoms of:

• Dry mouth
• Low blood pressure (hypotension)
• Muscle weakness
• Sunken appearance of the eyes
• Headache
• High fever
• Rapid heart rate (tachycardia)
• Weight loss

Diabetes insipidus can also cause an imbalance in the electrolytes which circulate in the body. These electrolytes include sodium, magnesium, potassium, calcium and phosphorus. An imbalance may cause the symptoms of headache, weakness, and pains in the muscles.

You should see the doctor immediately if you notice the 2 most common signs: excessive urination and extreme thirst.