Insipidus is a rare form of diabetes, a chronic medical condition. Some of the problems that come with diabetes insipidus might make exercise more difficult. The need to urinate frequently can cause excessive thirst and increased risk of electrolyte imbalance and dehydration. Exercise is an essential part of any healthy lifestyle, even if you have diabetes. The Diabetes Insipidus Foundation encourages patients with this condition not to sit on the sidelines, but exercise responsibly to avoid complications from the illness.
Diabetes Insipidus
Diabetes insipidus occurs when the body fails to regulate fluids. According to Mayo Clinic website, the kidneys will remove excess body fluids from blood and move them to the bladder for storage. The hypothalamus monitors the need for fluids and releases the anti-diuretic hormone to regulate this system if necessary. This hormone triggers a response from the kidneys to balance out fluids by returning water to the blood. The Mayo Clinic says diabetes insipidus comes in four forms: central, nephrogenic, gestational and dipsogenic. Each type of insipidus reacts differently to the production of anti-diuretic hormone by the body. Essentially, with any form of diabetes insipidus, the system fails to respond correctly to the hormone for one reason or another. For example, in gestational diabetes insipidus, which only occurs during pregnancy, the placenta destroys the anti-diuretic hormone before it has time to do its job.
Symptoms
Symptoms of this illness boil down to two main factors, extreme thirst and excessive trips to the bathroom. The Mayo Clinic website reports that urine output will vary based on the severity of your condition. Mild diabetes insipidus may result in urine production of up to 2.6 quarts daily. Those with a severe form may find that number increases to 16 quarts every day. Urine output for a healthy person ranges from 1.6 to 2.6 quarts. Children affected by diabetes insipidus may have inconsolable crying fits, soaked diapers or bed sheets, fever, vomiting, diarrhea, dry skin, stunted growth and unexplained weight loss, according to Mayo Clinic.
Treatment
Treatment protocols will vary by form of the illness. According to Mayo Clinic website, for some, a synthetic formula for the anti-diuretic hormone works effectively. The website suggests medications such as hydrochlorothiazide may help to reduce urine output. Diposogenic diabetes insipidus results from an underlying mental illness, treating the illness may regulate the disease. Structured diet plans can be beneficial to some, such as a low-salt regime.
Exercise
Exercise is fundamental to living a healthy life. Diabetes insipidus does not change the need for physical activity, however, it does add some obstacles. The constant need for water and trips to the bathroom will disrupt even the most well-planned fitness routine. The Diabetes Insipidus Foundation suggests you keep sessions short and take plenty of water with you to avoid dehydration. The site recommends drinking lukewarm water as opposed to cold. After completing the exercise, consider a sports drink to help balance electrolytes. Staying on your medication or diet plan will help control the need for urination. Talk to your doctor before beginning any exercise routines to ensure you are healthy enough and to get advice on controlling the symptoms while you work out.
Complications
Dehydration is a factor for those with diabetes insipidus, especially when exercising. The best way to deal with this possible complication is to always have water with you. Take breaks to drink if necessary. Stop exercising if you feel weak or dizzy. Paying attention to how you feel will go a long way to controlling complications. If you are overly tired, skip your routine that day. Only exercise with your doctor's approval.
