Compare diabetes insipidus and diabetes mellitus:

Here’s a comparison of diabetes insipidus and diabetes mellitus:

Feature Diabetes Insipidus Diabetes Mellitus
Cause Lack of antidiuretic hormone (ADH) or resistance to it. Lack of insulin (Type 1) or insulin resistance (Type 2).
Main Issue Inability to properly regulate water balance in the kidneys. Inability to properly regulate blood sugar levels.
Symptoms Excessive thirst (polydipsia), excessive urination (polyuria), and dilute urine. Excessive thirst (polydipsia), frequent urination (polyuria), fatigue, blurred vision, and high blood sugar.
Urine Characteristics Very dilute urine, low specific gravity. Urine may be concentrated, especially in poorly controlled diabetes.
Blood Glucose Levels Normal blood glucose levels. High blood glucose levels (hyperglycemia).
Treatment Desmopressin (synthetic ADH) or addressing the underlying cause (e.g., a tumor or injury). Insulin injections (Type 1), oral medications (Type 2), lifestyle changes, and monitoring blood sugar.
Complications Dehydration due to excessive urination and water loss. Long-term complications like heart disease, kidney damage, nerve damage, and blindness.

In summary, diabetes insipidus primarily affects the body’s ability to regulate water balance, whereas diabetes mellitus is focused on the body’s inability to regulate blood sugar due to issues with insulin.