Diabetes insipidus should not be confused with diabetes mellitus, which results from insulin deficiency or resistance leading to high blood glucose. Diabetes insipidus and diabetes mellitus are unrelated, although they can have similar signs and symptoms, like excessive thirst and excessive urination.
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Frequently Asked Questions FAQ
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Monday, 18 June 2007 |
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Because diabetes mellitus is more common and because diabetes mellitus and diabetes insipidus have similar symptoms, a health care provider may suspect that a patient with diabetes insipidus has diabetes mellitus. But testing should make the diagnosis clear. |
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Types of Diabetes Insipidus
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Monday, 18 June 2007 |
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A fourth type of diabetes insipidus occurs only during pregnancy. Gestational diabetes insipidus occurs when an enzyme made by the placenta destroys ADH in the mother. The placenta is the system of blood vessels and other tissue that develops with the fetus. The placenta allows exchange of nutrients and waste products between mother and fetus. |
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Types of Diabetes Insipidus
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Monday, 18 June 2007 |
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A third type of diabetes insipidus is caused by a defect in or damage to the thirst mechanism, which is located in the hypothalamus. This defect results in an abnormal increase in thirst and fluid intake that suppresses ADH secretion and increases urine output. Desmopressin or other drugs should not be used to treat dipsogenic diabetes insipidus because they may decrease urine output but not thirst and fluid intake. This fluid "overload" can lead to water intoxication, a condition that lowers the concentration of sodium in the blood and can seriously damage the brain. |
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Types of Diabetes Insipidus
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Monday, 18 June 2007 |
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The kidneys' ability to respond to ADH can be impaired by drugs (like lithium, for example) and by chronic disorders including polycystic kidney disease, sickle cell disease, kidney failure, partial blockage of the ureters, and inherited genetic disorders. Sometimes the cause of nephrogenic DI is never discovered. |
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Diabetes Insipidus 
