Many people think diabetes mellitus and diabetes insipidus are common terms. This is not true, they may share some similar symptoms but are two different conditions. Diabetes mellitus is a common condition whereas diabetes insipidus is an uncommon condition.

Diabetes mellitus vs Diabetes insipidus

Definition:

Diabetes mellitus:

Diabetes mellitus is defined as a metabolic abnormal condition that is specified by increased levels of blood sugar (or glucose), it occurs when the body does not make sufficient amounts of insulin. Insulin is a hormone that is secreted by beta cells of the pancreas which maintains normal blood glucose levels.

Diabetes insipidus:

Diabetes insipidus is defined as a rare disease that causes a disparity unbalance of body fluids resulting to make large amounts of urine.

Risk factors:

Risk factors are those factors that increase the risk of certain diseases.

Diabetes mellitus:

Following are the risk factors that may increase the risk of having diabetes mellitus in a person:

  • Family history (positive family history increases the chance of having diabetes mellitus)
  • Age (diabetes mellitus can occur in any age group, but in young adults and children type 1 diabetes is more common, and in 45 years or older type 2 diabetes is more common)
  • Prediabetes
  • Gestational diabetes
  • Overweight and obese
  • Race (American Indian, Hispanic, Black, and Asian Americans have an increased risk of developing diabetes mellitus).

Diabetes insipidus:

Following are the risk factors that may increase the risk of having diabetes insipidus in a person:

  • Family history positive
  • Head injury
  • Brian surgery
  • Polycystic kidney disease (PCKD)
  • Pituitary disorders
  • Hypothalamic disorders
  • Metabolic disorders.

Causes:

Diabetes mellitus:

The exact cause of diabetes mellitus is not known. It is thought genetic or environmental factors may predispose to the disease.

Diabetes insipidus:

Diabetes insipidus occurs when there is a problem with a hormone that regulates the body fluids called anti diuretic hormone (ADH) which is also known as vasopressin (AVP).

Types:

Diabetes mellitus:

Following are the different types of diabetes mellitus:

  • Type 1 diabetes mellitus
  • Type 2 diabetes mellitus
  • Prediabetes
  • Gestational diabetes mellitus
  • Monogenic diabetes syndrome
  • Chemical or drug induced diabetes
  • Cystic fibrosis related diabetes.

Diabetes insipidus:

Following are the different types of diabetes insipidus:

  • Nephrogenic diabetes insipidus
  • Central diabetes insipidus
  • Gestational diabetes insipidus.

Signs and symptoms or clinical presentation:

Diabetes mellitus:

Signs and symptoms may vary depending on the type of diabetes mellitus. The most common presentation of diabetes mellitus is the following:

  • Polyuria (frequent urination)
  • Polydipsia (extreme thirstiness)
  • Loosing of weight
  • Blurry vision
  • Irritability
  • Tiredness or weakness
  • Sores and infections.

Diabetes insipidus:

Signs and symptoms may vary depending on the type of diabetes insipidus. The most common presentation of diabetes insipidus is the following:

  • Produce a large amount of urine
  • Polyuria
  • Polydipsia
  • Pale urine.

Investigations or Lab tests:

Diabetes mellitus:

Following are the investigations to diagnose diabetes mellitus:

  • Glycated hemoglobin (HBA1C) test
  • Oral glucose tolerance test (OGTT)
  • Random blood sugar test
  • Fasting blood sugar test.

Diabetes insipidus:

Following are the investigations to diagnose diabetes mellitus:

  • Blood test
  • Water deprivation test
  • Urine test
  • Vasopressin test
  • Magnetic resonance investigation (MRI scan).

Treatment:

Diabetes mellitus:

Following are the treatment options for diabetes mellitus:

  • Oral hypoglycaemic drugs (it includes Biguanides (metformin), Sulfonylureas (glimepiride, glipizide, gliclazide, glyburide), Thiazolidinediones (pioglitazone, rosiglitazone), α-Glucosidase inhibitors (acarbose, voglibose, miglitol), Meglitinides (repaglinide and nateglinide)
  • Insulin (it includes rapid acting insulin, short acting insulin (regular insulin), intermediate acting insulin, long acting insulin, or mixed insulin.
  • Life style changes (Avoid sugary food, eat healthy food like vegetables and fruits, exercise regularly, frequently monitor your blood sugar).

Diabetes insipidus:

Following are the treatment options for diabetes insipidus:

  • Desmopressin (DDAVP) (oral, injection, or nasal spray)
  • Thiazide diuretics
  • Non steroidal anti inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs)
  • Life style changes.

Complications:

Diabetes mellitus:

Following are the complications of diabetes mellitus:

  • Nephropathy (kidney damage)
  • Cardiovascular (CVs) diseases
  • Neuropathy (nerve damage)
  • Foot infections
  • Skin infections
  • Retinopathy (Eye disease)
  • Mouth infections.

Diabetes insipidus:

Following are the complications of diabetes insipidus:

  • Dehydration
  • Electrolyte imbalance.

Conclusion:

A healthy life style is so important to prevent diseases like diabetes mellitus or diabetes insipidus. If you see any sign or symptom of diabetes in your daily life try to consult your doctor immediately.

By: Pashmina.