Diabetes Insipidus
By: Tania IvanovichTotal Views: 264, Word Count: 520,
Diabetes insipidus is a condition in which the retention power of the body fails. This is the result of the abnormal functioning of the pituitary gland which is located at the base of the posterior side of brain which is responsible for the secretion of vasopressin or antidiuretic hormone that regulates the amount of water in the body. The brain passes signal to the gland for the production of vasopressin if the quantity of liquid in the body is suffering. The kidneys cease making urine. This condition is caused due to four factors:
- Cranial diabetes insipidus: This condition sets in when the production of ADH hormone is hampered because of the damage caused to hypothalamus or pituitary gland through infection, operation and head injury.
- Nephrogenic diabetes insipidus: When the production and secretion of vasopressin is adequate but the response of kidneys to the hormone fails. This is caused due to kidney problems and the intake of certain drugs like lithium and tetracycline.
- Gestational diabetes insipidus: This is caused due to the deficiency of vasopressin hormone during pregnancy. This situation disappears within 4 to 6 weeks of delivery.
- Primary polydipsia: This type of disease is the result of the intake of excess of fluid which suppresses the production of vasopressin.
Symptoms of diabetes insipidus are:
- Frequency in the rate of urination
- Paleness, odorless and colorless urine
- Nocturia, increase in the rate of urination at night
- Enuresis, involuntary form of bedwetting
- Increase in thirst
- Reduction in blood pressure
- Sudden irritation and confusion
- Dry mouth, deficiency of tears and sweat
- Increase in the heart beat rate
Diagnosis and test:
- Water deprivation test: The endocrinologist asks the patient to prohibit the intake of water for a specific period of time. If the body passes off urine during this period, diabetes insipidus is declared. The doctor may conduct blood test on the body for the presence of glucose substances.
- Antidiuretic test: The patient after the water deprivation test is provided with a dose of ADH to monitor the response of body towards the oral intake of hormone. If the dose ceases the flow of water out from the body, the patient is declared fit, otherwise diabetes insipidus is suspected.
- MRI scan: This method employs intense magnetic and radio rays to take the images of the interior of the brain.
Diabetes insipidus unlike diabetes mellitus is cured only through the help of effective and strong medication. The symptoms mentioned above should be taken seriously as this disease causes severe kidney failures. A visit to a doctor is required if the patient suspects the disease. However consulting a health book for regular exercise and healthy food is an alternative for sound functioning of the pituitary gland.
About the Author
Tania Ivanovich is a consultant and a reputed physician fighting against the lethal effects of diabetes in people. Her recent study on diabetes insipidus is accepted by the numerous health organizations and institutes in America. Her methodology of treatment is inclusive of effective medicines and diet programs. She stresses on the efficacy of exercise on the lives of people. Drawn from her health conscious approach to the disease, a new book had been launched in the market:
How To Play The Diabetes Game To Win!
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