Central (Neurogenic) Diabetes Insipidus: Symptoms, Causes, and Treatments

Central (Neurogenic) Diabetes Insipidus

Central diabetes insipidus or central DI has several other names it's known by -- "pituitary DI," "hypothalamic DI," "neurohypophyseal DI," or "neurogenic DI." The disease is completely unrelated to diabetes mellitus even though both display the common symptoms of increased urination and thirst. Central DI is less common than diabetes mellitus, and treatments for the two diseases are completely different.

The major characteristic of central diabetes insipidus is extreme thirst and excessive urination. The disease occurs when the body fails to produce enough of the antidiuretic hormone vasopressin, which regulates the output of urine from the kidneys. The deficit of vasopressin typically is caused by damage or injury to the hypothalamus or pituitary gland. The damage is usually caused by infections, inflammation, head injuries, tumors, surgery, or genetic defects.

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What Is Central (Neurogenic) Diabetes Insipidus?

Central diabetes insipidus is caused by a lack of the hormone vasopressin. Vasopressin is an antidiuretic hormone that is produced by the hypothalamus gland in the brain and stored by the pituitary gland. In the body, vasopressin limits urine output by increasing the concentration of the urine.

Without vasopressin, the kidneys cannot function properly and the body experiences rapid water loss in the form of diluted urine. Then in a vicious cycle, this rapid water loss causes people with central DI to become extremely thirsty. As a result, they drink large amounts of water. For example, someone with central diabetes insipidus may produce more than 3 liters of urine a day, and drink even more water than that.

Central DI affects both men and women equally. It is a relatively uncommon disease, occurring in about one out of every 25,000 people. Central diabetes insipidus is typically a manageable disease and not fatal. However, if the fluids that are lost due to central DI aren't replaced, severe dehydration, heart failure, and even death can occur. This is especially the case with children and the elderly.

What Causes Central Diabetes Insipidus?

In about half the cases, the cause of central DI is unknown. Other times, the reduced levels of vasopressin may be the result of damage to the hypothalamus or the posterior part of the pituitary gland where the hormone is normally produced. This damage can be due to surgery, head trauma, tumor, inflammation, or infection. In very rare cases, central DI is caused by a genetic defect. Doctors determine that the disease is inheritable when the onset occurs in early childhood and there is a family history of central DI.

Usually, central DI cannot be prevented. The risk of developing central DI can be reduced, though, by prompt treatment of injuries, infections, and tumors.

Answer:

Your level is currently NormalHigh (hyperglycemia).Low (hypoglycemia).

If the level is below 70 and you are experiencing symptoms such as shaking, sweating or difficulty thinking, you will need to raise the number immediately. A quick solution is to eat a few pieces of hard candy or 1 tablespoon of sugar or honey. Recheck your numbers again in 15 minutes to see if the number has gone up. If not, repeat the steps above or call your doctor.

People who experience hypoglycemia several times in a week should call their health care provider. It's important to monitor your levels each day so you can make sure your numbers are within the range. If you are pregnant always consult with your health care provider.

Your blood sugar level is slightly high. You should call your health care provider and ask if laboratory tests to check for diabetes are needed. If you are pregnant always consult with your health care provider.

Congratulations on taking steps to manage your health.

However, it's important to continue to track your numbers so that you can make lifestyle changes if needed. If you are pregnant always consult with your physician.

Your level is currently normal. However, if you are concerned about diabetes speak with your physician. There may be other risk factors that increase your risk for diabetes.

Your level is high if this reading was taken before eating. Aim for 70-130 before meals and less than 180 two hours after meals.

Even if your number is high, it's not too late for you to take control of your health and lower your blood sugar.

One of the first steps is to monitor your levels each day. If you are pregnant always consult with your physician.

Your blood sugar level may be high, depending on when you last ate. If you have not eaten for at least 8 hours, your blood sugar should be less than 100. If you've eaten within the last 2 hours, your blood sugar should be less than 140. You should call your health care provider and ask if you need laboratory tests to check for diabetes. If you are pregnant always consult with your health care provider.

Blood sugars consistently above 180 warrant prompt medical attention.

Even if your number is high, it's not too late for you to take control of your health and lower your blood sugar.

One of the first steps is to monitor your levels each day. If you are pregnant always consult with your physician.

Your blood sugar level is high. You should call your health care provider and ask if laboratory tests to check for diabetes are needed. If you are pregnant always consult with your health care provider.

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