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Summer is always draining on the human body and for many people, dehydration becomes a big issue. While there are many reasons that hydration is important, a lot of people just aren’t aware that dehydration can cause many different medical conditions including, diabetes insipidus.
Diabetes insipidus does differ from the type of diabetes that many people are aware of. Though, the two types share similar symptoms such as intense thirst and urinating frequently. These symptoms happen because the body can’t regulate the management of fluids. Therefore, the kidneys, whose job it is to remove excess body fluids from the bloodstream cannot do so, effectively. Typically, the bladder would store the urine but when diabetes insipidus is in play, there’s too much liquid to be stored causing frequent trips to the bathroom.
Diabetes insipidus stems from a hormonal imbalance which affects water absorption. This creates a water imbalance in the body. You are losing a vast amount of water daily through urination and thirst happens when your body tries to compensate for the loss.
There are several types of diabetes insipidus.
Central Diabetes Insipidus
This type of diabetes insipidus is found in adults/children and is typically caused by damage to the hypothalamus or the pituitary gland. It interrupts the management, production, storage and release of ADH (Antidiuretic hormone).
Nephrogenic Diabetes Insipidus
This type of diabetes insipidus happens when there is a defect in the kidney tubules, the structures within the kidney that manages water absorption and excretion. The kidneys are nonresponsive to ADH.
Gestational Diabetes Insipidus
This type of diabetes insipidus is rare and only occurs during pregnancy. An enzyme that is created within the placenta destroys ADH within the mother.
This type of diabetes insipidus also goes by two other names: dipsogenic diabetes or psychogenic polydipsia. It can cause large volumes of dilute urine. There is not really an issue with ADH production as much as there is an issue with the amount of excessive fluids.
Truth is, on average people are not getting enough water to sustain their body which leads to other health problems. Drinking water however, isn’t the only way to get enough water. Eating fruit and vegetables are also a great way to get more water into the body. One must be careful in depending on fruit/vegetables for a water source because some can also cause a reduction of water content within the body. It’s important to stay away from foods that contain a lot of sugar or salt. High-fat or High-dairy diets are not good for maintaining a good amount of water in the body. That and they can also lead to heart problems, which escalates the risk for diabetes as a whole.
Symptoms of Dehydration:
- Sudden weight loss
- Dry mouth
- Changes in skin (complexion and elasticity)
- Low blood pressure
- Elevated blood sodium
- Rapid heart rate
The daily recommended amount of water that should be consumed in a day changes from person to person. However, the standard is about 8 ounces of water a day. Too little or too much water can have an effect on the body and therefore, it is important to check with your doctor to find out what they recommend for daily water consumption. Reducing your chance for developing diabetes insipidus depends on it.