Diabetes insipidus (DI) is a rare condition that is not as well known as the diabetes that involves blood sugar. It can affect how the kidneys function and remove excess fluid from the body. If DI is left untreated, the kidneys could be permanently damaged.
Defining Diabetes Insipidus
Diabetes insipidus is a rare condition causing frequent urination. You may feel like you need to drink a large amount of fluids, and your urine will be very diluted. If you don't drink enough water you may become dehydrated. Diabetes insipidus develops when a delicate hormonal balance between your hypothalmus and your kidneys is disturbed. The hypothalmus makes a hormone called AHD (antidiuretic hormone). This hormone regulates the concentration of urine and instructs the kidneys to reabsorb previously-filtered water back into the bloodstream. This means, when everything works correctly, you make less urine. (See Reference 1, paragraphs 1, 4)
Diabetes Insipidus and Diabetes Mellitus
Diabetes insipidus is not related to diabetes mellitus, which is the body's inability to produce or use insulin. They can be confused with each other because of two symptoms in common. (See Reference 1, paragraph 2)
Diagnostic Testing
Your doctor will carry out several tests to arrive at the correct diagnosis. If she suspects D.I, she will conduct what is called a water deprivation test. This test does as it says. You will be deprived of water for the duration of this test. First, she will take a blood sample to measure the level of electrolytes in your system. She will also collect a urine sample. During the test, you will give a urine sample every hour and it will be tested to see how concentrated it is. After another blood test, you will be given the hormone vasopressin (ADH). One hour after receiving the vasopressin, you will provide one last urine sample. Your diagnosis will be made based on the changes which took place in your blood and urine during the test. (See Reference 2, paragraphs 5, 6)
Blood Test
Your doctor will only conduct one blood test, to measure your electrolyte (potassium and salt) levels in your blood stream. If you have DI, your potassium and sodium levels in your blood stream will be high. (See Reference 2, paragraph 13)
Symptoms
DI can come on slowly or it can happen all at once. It can come on at any age. The symptoms include needing to urinate frequently, even at night, extreme thirst and drinking very large amounts of water, dehydration if you do not take in an amount of fluid sufficient for your individual needs and an imbalance of electrolytes in your system. These electrolytes provide electrical currents used by your body's cells. Your body will be high in potassium, chloride, calcium, phosphate and sodium. (See Reference 2, paragraph 2)
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