Diabetes Insipidus: Do You Have This Rare Diabetes Type?

Diabetes Insipidus is a rare disorder that causes an imbalance of fluids in the body. This condition causes extreme thirst, over and above what is normal even for Diabetes Miletus.

Of these two conditions, Diabetes Miletus may still be the more difficult to manage. However, whatever type of diabetes you may be living with, you should still have access to life cover tailored to your unique lifestyle.

Diabetes Insipidus Symptoms

Typical signs and symptoms of diabetes type include:

• Extreme thirst
• Producing large amounts of diluted urine
• Interrupted sleep due to getting up to urinate
• Preference for cold drinks

The following symptoms should be especially concerning in infants and young children:

• Heavy, wet diapers
• Bed-wetting
• Trouble sleeping
• Fever
• Vomiting
• Constipation
• Delayed growth
• Weight loss

Diabetes Insipidus Causes

All types of diabetes insipidus can be tied back to a hormone called vasopressin or anti-diuretic hormone (ADH). Nevertheless, this disease can occur in different ways. Vasopressin promotes water retention in the kidneys, which also maintains blood pressure at healthy levels.

While the main symptom is frequent and excessive urine output, this symptom may have other causes. One such cause may simply be improperly managed diabetes mellitus. Such alternative causes should be ruled out before making an insipidus diagnosis.

Types Of Diabetes Insipidus

• Central diabetes insipidus: This type is often due to damage to the pituitary gland or hypothalamus resulting from surgery, a tumour, a head injury or illness. Such damage can interfere in the usual production, storage and release of ADH. Some inherited genetic diseases can also cause this condition.
• Nephrogenic diabetes Insipidus: Nephrogenic diabetes is attributed to a defect in the kidney tubules, which are responsible for water being excreted and reabsorbed. This defect prevents your kidneys from properly responding to ADH. This defect may be linked to a genetic disorder or a chronic kidney disorder. Alternatively, it could be the result of certain medications.
• Gestational diabetes insipidus: This type of diabetes is incredibly rare. It occurs only during pregnancy, when an enzyme made by the placenta breaks down ADH in the mother.
• Primary polydipsia: Also known as dipsogenic diabetes insipidus, this condition manifests in the production of large amounts of diluted urine. The underlying cause is drinking excessive amounts of fluids. Alternatively, this diabetes type can be caused by damage to the thirst-regulating mechanism in the hypothalamus.

Complications

This diabetes’ complications commonly present as either dehydration or electrolyte imbalances.

Dehydration can cause:

• Dry mouth
• Changes in skin elasticity
• Thirst
• Fatigue

An electrolyte imbalance can cause:

• Weakness
• Nausea
• Vomiting
• Loss of appetite
• Muscle cramps
• Confusion

While there is no cure for this type of diabetes, the symptoms can be managed with treatment.

While living with diabetes can be difficult and unpredictable, taking out life cover shouldn’t be. Get quotes today for specialised life cover designed with diabetics in mind.