Diabetes Insipidus

What is diabetes insipidus?

Diabetes insipidus is a condition that results from insufficient production of the antidiuretic hormone (ADH), a hormone that helps the kidneys and body conserve the correct amount of water. Normally, the antidiuretic hormone controls the kidneys' output of urine. It is secreted by the hypothalamus (a small gland located at the base of the brain) and stored in the pituitary gland and then released into the bloodstream. ADH is secreted to decrease the amount of urine output so that dehydration does not occur. Diabetes insipidus, however, causes excessive production of very diluted urine and excessive thirst. The disease is categorized into groups. Two of the groups are described below:

Central diabetes insipidus. This condition is caused by insufficient production or secretion of ADH; can be a result of damage to the hypothalamus or pituitary gland caused by head injuries, genetic disorders, and other diseases.
Nephrogenic diabetes insipidus. This condition is the result of a lack of kidney response to normal levels of ADH: can be caused by drugs or chronic disorders, such as kidney failure, sickle cell disease, or polycystic kidney disease.

Causes of diabetes insipidus

Diabetes insipidus can be caused by several conditions, including the following:

Malfunctioning hypothalamus
Malfunctioning pituitary gland
Damage to hypothalamus or pituitary gland during surgery
Brain injury
Tumor
Tuberculosis
Blockage in the arteries leading to the brain
Encephalitis
Meningitis
Sarcoidosis (a rare inflammation of the lymph nodes and other tissues throughout the body)

What are the symptoms of diabetes insipidus?

The following are the most common symptoms of diabetes insipidus. However, each individual may experience symptoms differently. Symptoms may include:

Excessive thirst
Excessive urine production
Dehydration

The symptoms of diabetes insipidus may resemble other conditions or medical problems. Always consult your physician for a diagnosis.

How is diabetes insipidus diagnosed?

In addition to a complete medical history and medical examination, diagnostic procedures for diabetes insipidus may include:

Urine tests
Blood tests
Water deprivation test (to observe if dehydration occurs)

Treatment of diabetes insipidus

Treating diabetes insipidus depends on what is causing the disease. Treating the cause usually treats the diabetes insipidus. Specific treatment for diabetes insipidus will be determined by your physician based on: