Stephen J. Schueler, M.D.

Overview Symptoms Evaluation Treatment specialist Home Care warning signs Underlying Cause

Diabetes Insipidus Overview

What is diabetes insipidus?
A person with diabetes insipidus is unable to regulate the amount of water in the body properly. The kidney releases too much water into the urine. There are two causes of diabetes insipidus: central diabetes insipidus and nephrogenic diabetes insipidus. The central form of the disease is caused by the failure of the hypothalamus to produce normal amounts of the hormone ADH. The nephrogenic form is a problem where the kidneys fail to respond normally to ADH. Diabetes insipidus is uncommon and responds well to treatment.

What are the symptoms of diabetes insipidus?
Symptoms of diabetes insipidus are similar to diabetes: increased urination, fatigue, increased thirst and blurry vision. Other common symptoms of diabetes insipidus include headaches and muscle aches.

How does the doctor treat diabetes insipidus?
Treatment for diabetes insipidus includes intravenous fluids, diuretics, hormone therapy, and hypoglycemic medications for diabetes insipidus.

Continue to Diabetes Insipidus Symptoms

Last Updated: Aug 25, 2010 References

PubMed Diabetes Insipidus References
  1. Boughey JC, Yost MJ, Bynoe RP. Diabetes insipidus in the head-injured patient. Am Surg. 2004 Jun;70(6):500-3. [15212402]
  2. Fujiwara TM, Bichet DG. Molecular Biology of Hereditary Diabetes Insipidus. J Am Soc Nephrol. 2005 Aug 10. [16093448]
  3. Garofeanu CG, Weir M, Rosas-Arellano MP, Henson G, Garg AX, Clark WF. Causes of reversible nephrogenic diabetes insipidus: a systematic review. Am J Kidney Dis. 2005 Apr;45(4):626-37. [15806465]
  4. Lindholm J. Diabetes insipidus: historical aspects. Pituitary. 2004;7(1):33-8. [15638296]