Diabetes insipidus is a medical condition in which the kidneys are unable to retain water in the body. The amount of water conserved is controlled by the Anti-Diuretic Hormone (ADH), which is also called vasopressin. Diabetes insipidus symptoms start showing when the process of water retention is somehow affected.

The Causes Behind Diabetes Insipidus Symptoms

Understanding the primary diabetes insipidus causes is key to understanding the condition and its symptoms. This condition is normally a result of ADH deficiency, and under such cases, it is termed  Central Diabetes Insipidus. It can also result when the kidneys do not function properly in response to ADH, and in such cases the disorder is called Nephrogenic Diabetes Insipidus.

Sometimes, diabetes insipidus symptoms may also come to forefront due to the use of drugs like Lithium and Amphotericin B. It affects both adults and children.

The Most Common Diabetes Insipidus Symptoms

Given below are the signs and symptoms you may experience if you’re suffering from diabetes insipidus.

Polyuria (Excessive Urination)

People who are affected by diabetes insipidus pass excess urine that is often colourless. This is an easily noticeable symptom, as they may feel the need to urinate every 15-20 minutes. The amount of urine passed by affected individuals can range from 3 liters per day in mild cases to 20 liters per day in severe cases.

Polydipsia (Excessive Thirst)

Individuals with diabetes insipidus also face extreme thirst and a compulsive need to drink water regularly. A lingering feeling of dehydration contributes to this need of theirs. This symptom will persist even after they consume large quantities of water repeatedly, so this is an easily noticeable sign as well.

Disturbed Sleep Patterns

The constant need to urinate also tends to interfere with the sleep pattern of individuals who are affected by diabetes insipidus, as they will find it hard to fall asleep due to the fear of wetting the bed.

The disturbed sleep pattern might affect their daily routine too, as they’ll feel drowsy throughout the day.

Irritability And Fatigue

Diabetes insipidus brings about fatigue, and for this reason, affected individuals tend to be tired all the time. The disturbed sleep pattern (discussed in the previous point) also contributes to an inability to focus on daily tasks, due to fatigue and dehydration.

Signs of irritability and a general lack of concentration are major diabetes insipidus symptoms that need to be noted as well.

Diabetes Insipidus Symptoms In Children

Detecting the condition in children is always a challenge, and for this reason, infants and young children need to be constantly monitored for the main diabetes insipidus symptoms.

Some of the signs that might help parents are:

• Excessive crying
• Irritability
• Slower than expected growth
• High body temperature
• Unexplained weight loss

In older children, diabetes insipidus symptoms include:

• Bedwetting
• Loss of appetite
• Fatigue

It is imperative to consult a doctor regularly for proper diabetes insipidus diagnosis and detection in such cases. Once the doctor notices the diabetes insipidus symptoms, he’ll be able to prescribe effective treatment measures.