Diabetes Insipidus

Diabetes insipidus is a rare, but serious, disorder of the body’s water balance, caused by a lack of a hormone called vasopressin. When the body does not produce enough vasopressin, it is unable to regulate the amount of water in the blood and urine. This results in excessive thirst and the production of large amounts of urine. Symptoms of diabetes insipidus include excessive thirst, frequent urination, and frequent nighttime urination. Diabetes insipidus is typically divided into two types: central and nephrogenic. Central diabetes insipidus is caused by a lack of vasopressin production by the pituitary gland. Nephrogenic diabetes insipidus is caused by a defect in the kidney’s ability to respond to vasopressin. Diagnosis of diabetes insipidus is typically made through a combination of a patient’s medical history, physical exam, laboratory tests, and imaging studies. Treatment options depend on the type of diabetes insipidus the patient has and may include hormone replacement therapy, medications, and/or lifestyle changes.