Diabetes is known for having a direct effect on kidneys. Frequent urination and excessive thirst are two common symptoms of diabetes. But sometimes these two symptoms increase in intensity. When this occurs, the individual is experiencing diabetes insipidus.
This condition is caused when the kidneys are not able to conserve enough water while they are filtering blood for the body. Experts believe that the condition is caused by the lack of a specific hormone being released into the body.
While excessive thirst and frequent urination are symptoms, there are others. Dehydration is one condition that will surface as the body fights to maintain an adequate supply of fluids. The diabetic will also experience hypernatremia. This does not occur because there is too much sodium present in the blood, but rather because there is a deficiency in the volume of free water.
Some individuals will also experience a side effect called nocturia. This is the need to wake up at night just to urinate. Some severe cases may result in bed wetting.
Children with this condition can have an excessive number of wet diapers. Diapers that are abnormally wet, crying that is not able to be consoled by others, dry skin, nausea, fever, diarrhea, and cold extremities are also common.
How much does this level of dehydration affect the individual? It can easily increase the volume of urine from 2.5 liters per day to up to 15 liters per day.
Another common symptom includes a strong urge for ice water or ice. This is the body's reaction to feeing that water intake is insufficient.
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