Dermatomyositis Definition, Reason, Symptoms, Treatment & Prevention
Understanding
Diabetes insipidus is a disease with a relatively rare incidence. This condition causes an imbalance in the regulation of fluids in the body.
This imbalance causes excessive thirst even after consuming fluids as well as spending or excreting large amounts of urine, including at night. These are the two main symptoms of diabetes insipidus.
Symptom
The most frequently observed signs and symptoms of diabetes insipidus are excessive thirst and the excretion of large amounts of diluted urine. Depending on the severity of the condition, the amount of urine produced can reach 15 liters if the individual consumes large amounts of fluids.
Generally, healthy adults produce about 3 liters of urine each day. Other signs and symptoms that can arise are frequent awakenings at night to urinate and also wet the bed.
In infants and children with diabetes insipidus, signs and symptoms may include:
1. Inconsolable crying
2. Trouble sleeping
3. Fever
4. Growth inhibition
5. Weight loss
6. Bedwetting
7. Vomit
8. Decreased appetite
9. Constant fatigue
10. Diarrhea
Reason
Diabetes insipidus occurs when there is no balance in the management of fluids in the body. Generally, the kidneys function in removing excess fluid from the body.
The fluid is stored temporarily in the bladder, before finally leaving the body as urine. The amount of fluid excreted from the body depends on the hormone vasopressin, which is also known as the antidiuretic hormone.
In diabetes insipidus, there is decreased production of the hormone vasopressin. This condition causes the kidneys to be unable to retain water in the body. As a result, there is an increase in the output of urine.
Diagnosis
Because the signs and symptoms that arise in diabetes insipidus can also be caused by other medical conditions, the doctor will recommend supporting examinations. In addition, if the doctor determines that a person has diabetes insipidus, the doctor will also carry out further tests to determine the type of diabetes insipidus they are experiencing, because the treatment can be different.
Several types of tests that can be done to determine the diagnosis and type of diabetes insipidus are:
- Water deprivation test. This examination can be done to confirm the diagnosis and also the cause of diabetes insipidus. Under the supervision of health workers, individuals will be asked to stop consuming water for a certain period of time so that the doctor can assess changes in body weight, urine production, and concentration of urine and blood in conditions of water deprivation.
The doctor may also measure the level of vasopressin in the blood or administer artificial vasopressin during this test. This test must be carried out under close supervision, especially in children and pregnant women, to ensure that there is no more than 5 percent weight loss.
- Urine analysis examination. Urine analysis is a physical and chemical examination of the condition of urine. When there is a low concentration in the urine, this can mean that the amount of water is much higher relative to other substances excreted, which is one sign of diabetes insipidus.
- Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI). An MRI scan is a non-invasive examination that uses a strong magnetic field and radio waves to create images of tissue in the brain. This examination can be done to see any abnormalities in or around the pituitary gland.
Treatment
Treatment for diabetes insipidus is aimed at reducing the amount of urine produced by the body. Depending on the type of diabetes insipidus you are experiencing, there are several treatment procedures that can be done to control the symptoms that occur.
For mild central diabetes insipidus (urine production of about 3-4 liters in 24 hours), generally does not require medical treatment. In this condition, symptoms can be treated by increasing the amount of water consumed to prevent dehydration.
However, if you are experiencing severe central diabetes insipidus, controlling the amount of water you consume alone may not be enough to overcome the symptoms. In this condition, the doctor may prescribe a drug that takes over the function of vasopressin, called desmopressin.
Desmopressin is a synthetic or artificial vasopressin that acts similarly to natural vasopressin, by stopping the kidneys from producing excess urine when the amount of water in the body is low. The use of desmopressin must be in accordance with a doctor’s prescription.
Although rare, some side effects have been associated with taking desmopressin. These side effects can include headaches, stomach pain, nausea, runny or stuffy nose, and nosebleeds.
Meanwhile, for nephrogenic diabetes insipidus, which is diabetes insipidus due to abnormal kidney function, the treatment can be different. Because this type of diabetes insipidus is generally caused by consuming certain classes of drugs, the initial action that will be taken by the doctor is to stop the drug that is suspected of causing the complaint.
Apart from that, doctors can also recommend taking other drugs with the same function. In addition, it is also recommended to maintain water intake to prevent dehydration.
Prevention
There is no proven prevention method to prevent diabetes insipidus.