Diabetes Mellitus and Diabetes Insipidus

Diabetes Mellitus and Diabetes Insipidus are the major forms of the illness. Diabetes Mellitus is also divided further into Type 1 and Type 2 diabetes. Diabetes Insipidus is subdivided into Central and Nephrogenic Diabetes Insipidus but the former is far more prevalent. The most common form of diabetes is Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus, which affects at least 15 million Americans (Mathur).

Although Type 1 and Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus share symptoms and prognoses in common, their etiologies are unrelated. Diabetes Mellitus and Diabetes Insipidus are completely unrelated, as Diabetes Insipidus is a kidney-related illness, whereas Mellitus is related to blood sugar levels. Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus is also referred to as adult-onset diabetes because of its being commonly diagnosed in patients over 45 years of age. Of all types of diabetes, Type 2 Mellitus the one most likely to be caused by lifestyle choices.

Both Type 1 and Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus are caused by the body's inability to metabolize insulin, a chemical produced in the pancreas. Patients may be unable to secrete or use insulin, which leads to excessive levels of glucose sugar in the blood. Type 1 Diabetes Mellitus is almost always caused by the pancreas not producing enough insulin and patients must administer daily insulin shots to survive.

Persons at risk for developing Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus may be overweight, have high blood pressure, high blood cholesterol, or high level of blood triglycerides. Heredity may also be a risk factor for Type 2 Diabetes. Some ethnic groups, including African-Americans and Hispanics, demonstrate a higher risk for developing the illness. Type 1 Diabetes Mellitus is generally diagnosed in childhood and therefore may be related to hereditary factors. Unlike Type 2 Diabetes, Type 1 diabetes is not preventable with diet and exercise.

Diabetes Insipidus can also be hereditary but is most commonly caused by injuries to the hypothalamus. Central Diabetes Insipidus is caused directly by a lack of antidiuretic hormone (ADH), which is produced in the hypothalamus, and stored and released by the pituitary gland (Medline). Head injury, brain surgery, and brain tumor are potential causes of Central Diabetes Insipidus. Nephrogenic Diabetes Inspidus is far les common than Central Diabetes Inspipidus and is caused by kidney defects. Kidney disease, an X chromosomal abnormality, and certain pharmaceuticals such as lithium can cause Nephrogenic Diabetes Insipidus. Stopping the intake of culprit medications can often reverse Nephrogenic Diabetes Insipidus.

Symptoms of the different types of diabetes differ. Fatigue, excessive thirst, and excessive urination are symptoms in common to all forms of the disease. Type 1 Diabetes Mellitus symptoms may include nausea and vomiting, as well as weight loss in spite of high appetite. Symptoms of Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus may also include male impotence and blurred vision. Diabetes Insipidus symptoms almost exclusively center on excessive thirst and urination, which can lead to secondary issues including dehydration.