Diabetes Insipidus can be confused with diabetes mellitus but it shouldn't. Diabetes mellitus results from a problem with insulin metabolism and usually leads to high blood glucose levels. Diabetes mellitus and Diabetes Insipidus do have some of the same symptoms - excessive urination and excessive thirst - and this is the only way they are related.

Diabetes Insipidus also known as "water" diabetes is a very rare condition and there are several types. Diabetes Insipidus occurs when kidneys do not have the capacity to save water which leads to numerous urinations with large amounts of diluted urine accompanied by extreme thirst usually for ice cold water. This retaining of fluids in the kidneys is managed by an anti-diuretic hormone (called ADH) known as vasopressin. ADH is generated in the brain by a part known as the hypothalamus as well as being controlled by a little gland called the pituitary which is located at the bottom of the brain.

There are several types of Diabetes Insipidus and there causes are different. Central Diabetes Insipidus is caused by some sort of damage to the hypothalamus or pituitary gland because of a head injury, surgery, infection or a tumor. Central Diabetes Insipidus is the more common type of Diabetes Insipidus. This form of diabetes is treated by taking care of the primary cause. It can also be managed with vasopressin prescribed by your doctor.

Nephrogenic Diabetes Insipidus is very rare and occurs when the kidneys fail to react to ADH. This is usually because of a problem in the kidneys themselves. This can be caused by a blockage of tubules in the kidneys, blockage in the urinary tract, use of certain drugs, low levels of potassium or high levels of calcium. When the reason for this condition is acknowledged and corrected, this disease normally clears up.

Gestational Diabetes Insipidus occurs because of an enzyme produced by the placenta which destroys ADH in the system of the mother. The majority of cases of gestational Diabetes Insipidus are usually treated with desmopressin and quickly regulates itself after delivery.

It should be remembered - these types of Diabetes Insipidus are different from diabetes mellitus and are all very rare.

Learn More about Diabetes Insipidus

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