Despite its name, diabetes insipidus is not related to type 1 or type 2 diabetes. Diabetes insipidus is a hormonal disorder. It happens when your body doesn’t produce enough antidiuretic hormone (ADH). It can also happen if your body doesn’t use the hormone effectively. ADH helps the body balance water in urine and blood.
Symptoms of diabetes insipidus
There are several symptoms of diabetes insipidus, including:
- Thirsty
- Increase urine production up to 16 liters a day
- Waking up several times during the night to urinate or wet the bed
- Confusion and change in alertness due to dehydration
What causes diabetes insipidus?
It has many causes. In some people, a part of the brain (called the hypothalamus) does not make enough ADH. In other cases, the pituitary gland does not release enough hormone. Damage to the hypothalamus or pituitary gland can cause diabetes insipidus. This can happen after a head injury, during brain surgery, or when a tumor grows on the glands.
Abnormalities in the kidneys can also cause diabetes insipidus. This can affect how they process ADH. It can be caused by certain medications, such as lithium. In about 30% of cases, doctors can’t find a cause.
How is it diagnosed?
To check for diabetes insipidus, your doctor may order one of the following tests:
- Urine test. This will show how much water is in your urine. It can rule out type 1 or type 2 diabetes. (If you have type 1 or type 2 diabetes, there will be excess sugar in your urine.)
- Blood tests. This will check for high sodium levels – another sign of diabetes insipidus.
- A water deficiency test. This test may take several hours. You are not allowed to drink any liquids during this time. Your weight, urine and blood will be checked every hour.
- MRI scan (magnetic resonance imaging). The scan can show problems in your brain that could be causing your diabetes insipidus.
Can it be prevented or avoided?
Most of the time, diabetes insipidus is a permanent condition. You probably won’t be able to prevent it. It is often related to another health problem, such as abnormal kidney function or a tumor. While you can’t prevent it in these cases, you can usually control the symptoms.
Treatment of diabetes insipidus
If your symptoms are mild, you may not need treatment. However, your doctor will want to check you more often. You should make sure you always have something to drink. This will ensure that your body does not become dehydrated.
For more severe cases of diabetes insipidus, your doctor may prescribe medication. This medicine will help your body produce or use ADH more efficiently. A drug called desmopressin is a synthetic form of ADH. It comes in tablet, injectable, or nasal spray form. Drinking too much while taking this medicine can cause your body to become overloaded with fluids. This can make you feel sick, weak, or dizzy.
Other treatments will depend on the cause:
- If it is caused by kidney problems: Your doctor may recommend reducing salt in your diet. You also need to drink enough water to avoid dehydration. Medications such as water pills can help your body balance salt and water.
- If the cause is a tumor or abnormal growth in your hypothalamus or pituitary gland: Your doctor may recommend surgery to remove the tumor.
- If a drug causes diabetes insipidus: Your doctor may prescribe a different type. He or she will find a medicine that won’t cause thirst and increased urination.
Talk to your doctor about which option is right for you.
Living with it
There is no cure for this disease . But you can work with your doctor to manage your symptoms. Medicines can help prevent the constant thirst and increased urination that accompanies this condition. Preventing these symptoms will add a lot to your quality of life.