Diabetes Insipidus (DI):
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This type of Diabetes is
often mistaken for Diabetes Mellitus
because of the similarity of symptoms, but they are not related; in
both cases sufferers urinate often and feel thirsty most of the time,
even after drinking; the symptoms would include an excessive urine volume
and an excessive thirst, which may be intense or uncontrollable and
involve a craving for iced water. DI is an uncommon condition that occurs when the kidneys are unable to conserve water as they perform their function of filtering blood; the amount of water conserved is controlled by an Antidiuretic Hormone (ADH), also called vasopressin. |
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ADH is a hormone produced
in a region of the brain called the hypothalamus; it is then stored
and released from the Pituitary Gland, a small gland at the base of
the brain. |
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Unlike Diabetes Mellitus, this type of Diabetes is not treated with Insulin; it is usually treated with an ADH medicine called Vasopressin, which is a Nonapeptide hormone, produced by the Posterior Pituitary; Vasopressin regulates the volume of Extracellular Fluid by affecting the renal handling of water; the cause of the underlying condition should be treated when possible. If nephrogenic DI is caused by medication, for example, Lithium, stopping the medication may help restore normal kidney function; however, after many years of Lithium use, the Nephrogenic DI may be permanent. Hereditary Nephrogenic DI and Lithium-Induced Nephrogenic DI are treated by drinking enough fluids to match urine output and with drugs that lower urine output; drugs used to treat Nephrogenic DI include, Anti Inflammatory medication, Indomethacin; Diuretics, Hydrochlorothiazide and Amiloride. If treated in time, DI does not cause severe problems or reduce life expectancy; if thirst mechanisms are normal and you drink enough fluids, there are no significant effects on body fluid or salt balance; not drinking enough fluids however, can lead to the following Complications, Dehydration, Dry skin, Dry Mucus Membranes, Fever, Rapid Heart Rate, Sunken Appearance to Eyes, Sunken Fontanelles 'The Soft Spot' in infants, Unintentional Weight Loss, Electrolyte Imbalance, Fatigue, Lethargy, Headache, Irritability and Muscle Pains. Diabetes Related Information Leaflets ![]() |
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