Diabetes Insipidus - Symptoms and Causes

Overview

• Diabetes insipidus is a rare condition causing fluid imbalance in the body.
• It leads to excessive urine production and increased thirst.
• Also known as arginine vasopressin deficiency or resistance.
• Different from diabetes mellitus, which involves high blood sugar levels.
• No cure, but treatment can manage symptoms.

Symptoms

In Adults

• Intense thirst, preference for cold water.
• Large volumes of pale urine.
• Frequent urination, including at night.

In Infants and Children

• Heavy, wet diapers.
• Bed-wetting.
• Intense thirst for water and cold liquids.
• Weight loss, poor growth.
• Vomiting, irritability, fever.
• Constipation, headaches.
• Sleep and vision problems.

Consult a doctor if experiencing excessive thirst and urination.

Causes

• Central Diabetes Insipidus: Damage to the pituitary gland or hypothalamus affecting ADH.
  • Causes: Surgery, tumor, head injury, illness, or autoimmune reaction.
• Nephrogenic Diabetes Insipidus: Kidneys fail to respond to ADH.
  • Causes: Inherited disorders, medications (lithium, antivirals), electrolyte imbalances, kidney issues.
• Gestational Diabetes Insipidus: Occurs during pregnancy due to placental enzymes destroying ADH.
• Primary Polydipsia: Compulsive fluid intake due to hypothalamus damage, sometimes linked to mental illness.

Risk Factors

• Family history of the disorder.
• Use of diuretics.
• Blood electrolyte imbalances.
• History of serious head trauma or brain surgery.

Complications

Dehydration

• Symptoms: Dry mouth, thirst, fatigue, dizziness, fainting, nausea.

Electrolyte Imbalance

• Symptoms: Weakness, nausea, vomiting, loss of appetite, confusion.

Note: Always consult a healthcare provider for diagnosis and treatment of diabetes insipidus.