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Diabetes insipidus


DI is not the same as diabetes mellitus types 1 and 2. However, untreated, both DI and diabetes mellitus cause constant thirst and frequent urination. People with diabetes mellitus have high blood sugar (glucose) because the body is not able to use blood sugar for energy. Those with DI have normal blood sugar levels, but their kidneys are not able to balance fluid in the body.


Endocrine glands
Osmolality test




DI caused by a lack of ADH is called central diabetes insipidus. When DI is caused by a failure of the kidneys to respond to ADH, the condition is called nephrogenic diabetes insipidus. Nephrogenic means related to the kidney.

Central DI can be caused by damage to the hypothalamus or pituitary gland as a result of:



Symptoms of DI include:

Exams and Tests


Tests that may be ordered include:

Your provider may have you see a doctor who specializes in pituitary diseases to help diagnose DI.


The cause of the underlying condition will be treated when possible.

Central DI may be controlled with vasopressin (desmopressin, DDAVP). You take vasopressin as an injection, a nasal spray, or tablets.

If nephrogenic DI is caused by medicine, stopping the medicine may help restore normal kidney function. But after many years of use of some medicines, such as lithium, nephrogenic DI can be permanent.



Outlook (Prognosis)

Outcome depends on the underlying disorder. If treated, DI does not cause severe problems or result in early death.

Possible Complications

If your body's thirst control is normal and you are able to drink enough fluids, there are no significant effects on body fluid or salt balance.

Not drinking enough fluids can lead to dehydration and electrolyte imbalance, which can be very dangerous.

If DI is treated with vasopressin and your body's thirst control is not normal, drinking more fluids than your body needs can also cause dangerous electrolyte imbalance.

When to Contact a Medical Professional

Call your provider if you develop symptoms of DI.

If you have DI, contact your provider if frequent urination or extreme thirst returns.

Related Information

Antidiuretic hormone blood test
Polycystic kidney disease
Sodium blood test
Pulse - bounding
Weight loss - unintentional
Muscle aches





Review Date: 5/6/2019  


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