Diabetes insipidus causes increased thirst and urination due to a hormonal imbalance, but is not related to diabetes mellitus. Diagnostic tests are needed to determine the cause and treatment options, including medication, are available. Early detection is important to avoid permanent damage.
The telltale symptoms of diabetes insipidus are increased thirst and urination. Because these symptoms are associated with a number of conditions, including diabetes mellitus, diagnostic tests will need to be done to determine the cause of the symptoms. Usually, treatment begins with a general practitioner, who can refer a patient to a specialist if necessary.
It’s important to be aware that diabetes insipidus and diabetes mellitus are not related, despite similarities in names. Although both are associated with increased thirst and urination, the causes are different and the treatment approaches are also different. In the case of patients with diabetes insipidus, the kidneys have difficulty conserving water due to a hormonal imbalance, which causes the body to crave fluid even as it passes out highly diluted urine. There is a risk of dehydration for patients with this condition.
People of all ages who develop this condition will show symptoms of diabetes insipidus such as increased thirst, drinking large amounts of fluids, and frequent urination. Many people particularly crave cold water or ice, and urine is highly diluted. Even with all your fluid consumption, signs of dehydration can also occur. Younger patients may develop nausea, diarrhea and vomiting. Symptoms of diabetes insipidus in young people also include an inability to grow and thrive.
Other symptoms of diabetes insipidus include needing to urinate at night or urinating more frequently than usual during the night. Some patients experience nocturnal enuresis. People sometimes refer to this condition as “water diabetes” to contrast with diabetes mellitus or “sugar diabetes.” The symptoms of diabetes mellitus are similar, but patients also develop problems such as blurred vision, hunger and nausea. These differences can help doctors differentiate between the two conditions and arrive at a diagnosis more quickly.
Diabetes insipidus can be caused by a number of different factors, including medications, cancers, and genetic conditions. When the symptoms of diabetes insipidus are identified, diagnostic tests can be used to determine what is causing the hormonal imbalance that is leading to the problem. This information can be used to develop a treatment plan. Treating the underlying cause, if possible, is a first step, and medications are also available to treat diabetes insipidus.
People who notice symptoms of diabetes insipidus, such as sudden changes in the amount of fluid they consume, combined with frequent urination, should discuss the problem with a doctor, unless there is a compelling and obvious reason, such as heat , which leads to an increase in water consumption. Addressing health problems early makes them much easier to treat and can help people avoid permanent damage.
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