Diabetes insipidus is a rare disorder in which the kidneys cannot concentrate urine properly, leading to large volumes of dilute urine and intense thirst. It is not the same as diabetes mellitus, and blood glucose is usually normal.
Types and causes
Central diabetes insipidus results from insufficient vasopressin, often related to the hypothalamus or pituitary gland. Nephrogenic diabetes insipidus occurs when the kidneys do not respond properly to vasopressin. Pregnancy-related and other less common forms also occur.
Diagnosis
The National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases describes urine and blood testing, supervised fluid-deprivation testing and imaging among possible investigations. A fluid-deprivation test can be dangerous and must not be attempted at home.
Treatment
Treatment depends on the type and cause. Desmopressin can replace vasopressin in central disease, while nephrogenic disease may require medicine changes, dietary measures or other prescribed treatment. Adequate access to water is essential unless a clinician directs otherwise.
Severe dehydration, confusion, unusual sleepiness or inability to keep up with fluid losses needs urgent care.
