Diabetes insipidus is a condition that occurs when water levels in the body are imbalanced. The imbalance of fluid levels that is related to diabetes insipidus is the result of an increased amount of urination. When increased urination occurs, it significantly reduces fluid levels in the body, which causes an intense, almost unquenchable thirst, despite drinking a lot of fluids. It can also lead to dehydration.
There are two types of diabetes inspidus: central diabetes insipidius and nephrogenic diabetes insipidus, or neurogenic diabetes insipidus. Unlike diabetes mellitus, heightened blood sugar levels spark the production of higher amounts of urine in order to aid in the removal of excess glucose from the bloodstream. With diabetes insipidus, the system that helps the body maintain proper water balance is not functioning properly. A low secretion of vasopressin, a hormone that balances water in the body, or the complete lack of vasopressin, could cause the condition. A poor response from the kidneys to vasopressin could also contribute to the development of this condition.
Though diabetes insipidus is quite rare, it is a very dangerous condition that could be life-threatening if it is not properly treated. Here are 6 warning signs associated with the condition.
1. An increased need to urinate
The hallmark symptom of diabetes insipitus is an increased need to urinate. This need can become exceptionally strong, making the need to use the bathroom immediately. When you do use the bathroom, you will pass large amounts of urine. The urine is usually highly diluted, resembling water. The appearance of clear urine is due to the high amount of water that it contains. As diabetes insipidius is a result of the malfunctioning of the body’s ability to regulate water levels, the water that it is supposed to hold onto is released in the urine.
