General Information About Diabetes Insipidus
Disease Details and Frequently Asked Questions
It is a disorder in which the individual continuously produces excessive amounts of dilute (watery) urine due to the body's inability to maintain its water balance, resulting in a constant need to drink water.
Although their names are similar, they operate through completely different mechanisms. In normal diabetes, blood sugar is high and sugar is excreted in the urine. In Diabetes Insipidus, blood sugar is completely normal, and there is no sugar in the urine; the issue is solely an inability to 'retain water'.
It occurs due to the pituitary gland in the brain being damaged and unable to produce ADH hormone (Central DI), or the kidneys becoming diseased in a way that they cannot respond to the existing hormone (Nephrogenic DI).
Urine production starting from 3-4 liters a day and reaching up to 20 liters (polyuria), frequently waking up from sleep at night to use the toilet, and a continuous desire to drink ice-cold water (polydipsia).
The patient's blood and urine concentration (osmolality) are measured. To confirm the diagnosis, a 'Water Deprivation Test' is performed, where the patient is deprived of water for hours under medical supervision. If necessary, a pituitary MRI is taken.
In the brain-related (Central) type, the deficient ADH hormone is administered externally as a nasal spray or pill (Desmopressin). In the kidney-related type, special diuretic medications and salt restriction are applied.
Our health library contents are prepared for informational purposes only and with scientific data available at the time of recording. For all your questions, concerns, diagnosis, or treatment regarding your health, please consult your doctor or a healthcare institution.
