World Diabetes Day, observed on 14 November emphasises raising awareness about different types of diabetes, including some lesser-known ones like diabetes insipidus (DI).
Story Summary:
- Diabetes insipidus (DI) is a rare type of diabetes that causes extreme thirst and frequent urination, unrelated to blood sugar levels.
- DI differs from other types of diabetes because it’s connected to issues with a hormone responsible for water balance.
- Treatments like desmopressin can help control DI symptoms by managing water retention in the body.
World Diabetes Day 2024: Important health facts you must know about
Unlike the more common types of diabetes, such as type 1 and type 2, DI is unrelated to blood sugar or insulin issues.
According to a study published in the Indian Journal of Endocrinology and Metabolism, diabetes insipidus affects water regulation in the body, causing symptoms of extreme thirst and frequent urination.
The study explains that DI’s main characteristic is the body’s inability to properly retain water.
This can result in a significant loss of fluids, leading to dehydration if left untreated.
People with DI often need to drink unusually large amounts of water to manage symptoms, and this can disrupt daily life.
Did you know about diabetes insipidus?
Diabetes insipidus has two main forms: central diabetes insipidus (CDI) and nephrogenic diabetes insipidus (NDI).
CDI is more common and occurs when the brain doesn’t produce enough antidiuretic hormone (ADH), a hormone that helps control the amount of water conserved by the kidneys.
Causes of CDI include head injuries, brain surgeries, or infections affecting the pituitary gland, which produces ADH.
In contrast, NDI happens when the kidneys cannot respond to ADH properly.
This form can be hereditary or result from certain medications that damage kidney function, such as lithium, commonly prescribed for mood disorders.
Key symptoms of both types include:
- Intense Thirst: People with DI often feel very thirsty, even shortly after drinking water.
- Frequent Urination: The body fails to concentrate urine, leading to the production of large volumes of dilute urine.
The Indian Journal of Endocrinology and Metabolism study notes that if untreated, DI can result in dehydration and imbalances in electrolytes such as sodium, which are essential for the body’s function.
Managing diabetes insipidus: Current treatments
For those diagnosed with diabetes insipidus, treatments focus on reducing symptoms and maintaining hydration.
Desmopressin, a synthetic form of ADH, is commonly used to control symptoms by helping the kidneys retain water.
Other medications like thiazide diuretics may also be prescribed in specific cases to help manage urine production and keep electrolyte levels stable.
As emphasised by the study, treatment varies depending on whether the patient has CDI or NDI.
This World Diabetes Day, learning about less common conditions like diabetes insipidus broadens our understanding of the various ways diabetes can affect the body and encourages early diagnosis and treatment for those affected.
