When a person is told that they have diabetes they immediately think high blood sugar, but diabetes comes in two main forms. Diabetes mellitus is the form of diabetes that is associated with high blood sugar, commonly known as type 2 diabetes or "sugar" diabetes. Diabetes insipidus is a form of diabetes associated with frequent urination and excessive thirst, also known as "water" diabetes.
Diabetes Insipidus
The American Diabetes Association defines diabetes insipidus as a disease that is characterized by frequent and heavy urination, excessive thirst and an overall feeling of weakness.This condition may be caused from a defect in the pituitary gland or in the kidneys. Unlike diabetes mellitus, individuals with diabetes insipidus have normal blood glucose levels.
Types
The Diabetes Insipidus Foundation states that are four types of diabetes insipidus that have different causes and treatments.Neurogenic DI is caused by a deficiency in the antidiuretic hormone, vasopressin. Nephrogenic DI is caused by insensitivity of the kidneys to the effect of the vasopressin. Dipsogenic DI is caused by abnormal thirst or excessive water or fluid intake. Gestagenic DI is caused by a deficiency of vasopressin during pregnancy.
Symptoms/Treatment
Individuals with nephrogenic diabetes insipidus will urinate large, clear, colorless amounts of urine which is accompanied by excessive thirst. Dehydration can occur if fluid balance is not maintained. In order to treat nephrogenic diabetes insipidus, urine output should be balanced with fluid intake, along with the use of thiazide and potassium-sparing diuretics. The individual must also maintain a low-sodium diet. The Diabetes Insipidus Foundations suggests between 500 and 600mg a day or less for adults and 300 to 500mg a day for children.
High Sodium Diet
While sodium is an essential nutrient for the body to function, consuming a diet that is high in sodium can have negative effects on the body. The MayoClinic.com states that if there is too much sodium in your blood the blood volume will increase, which will put stress on the heart and increase pressure in the arteries. This can lead to high blood pressure, heart disease, stroke, kidney disease and congestive heart failure.
Low Sodium Diet
Consuming a low sodium diet can be challenging in our salt happy society. The Cleveland Clinic suggests to start by reducing the total amount of sodium you consume to 2,000 mg per day. Read all food labels to check the sodium content. Consume 25 to 35g of fiber per day. Maintain a healthy body weight by limiting your total daily calories and exercising regularly.
