Diabetes Insipidus

Have you heard about diabetes insipidus? It is different to diabetes mellitus that many people are diagnosed with. I will be looking at diabetes mellitus later in the week.

Diabetes insipidus occurs where the pituitary gland does not produce enough vasopressin hormone. As a result, the body produces large amounts of urine, causing a significant risk of dehydration. This can cause disturbed sleep, as well as a feeling of extreme thirst.

A secondary condition from the excessive loss of fluid is hypernatraemia where there are high salt (sodium) levels in the blood. This can affect the nervous system leading to seizures, confusion, and also kidney damage.

Medication, in the form of vasopressin hormone replacement can help to manage this condition. It may also be necessary to follow a low sodium diet.

Reflexology helps to rebalance hormonal balances in the body and may help to support the traditional treatment for this condition.
​