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Diabetes Insipidus
Reviewed by Medicinsk Expert•Last updated: 2026-10-22•Metabolic Problems

Diabetes Insipidus

Diabetes insipidus is a condition related to how the kidneys handle fluids, resulting in extreme thirst and the production of large amounts of dilute urine.

Overview

Diabetes insipidus (DI) causes frequent urination. You become extremely thirsty, so you drink, and then you urinate. This cycle can keep you from sleeping or even make you wet the bed. Your body produces lots of urine that is almost all water.

DI vs. Diabetes Mellitus

DI is different from diabetes mellitus (DM), which involves insulin problems and high blood sugar. While the symptoms can be similar, DI is related to how your kidneys handle fluids and is much less common than DM. Urine and blood tests can show which one you have.

Causes & Treatment

Usually, DI is caused by a problem with your pituitary gland or your kidneys. Treatment depends on the cause of the problem, and medicines can often help.

Frequently Asked Questions

The key differentiator is blood sugar levels. In type 2 diabetes, blood glucose is high, and urine contains sugar. In diabetes insipidus, blood sugar is normal, and the urine is very dilute with a low specific gravity. A simple urine test and blood glucose check can distinguish the two, but a clinician may also perform a water deprivation test to confirm the diagnosis.
Seek immediate medical attention if you experience signs of severe dehydration, such as confusion, extreme lethargy, rapid heart rate, low blood pressure, or dizziness upon standing. These symptoms indicate that your body is losing fluids faster than you can replace them, which can lead to dangerous electrolyte imbalances and shock if not treated promptly.
Yes, certain medications like lithium, which is used for bipolar disorder, can interfere with the kidneys' ability to respond to antidiuretic hormone (ADH), leading to nephrogenic diabetes insipidus. Additionally, head trauma, brain surgery, or tumors near the pituitary gland can damage the hypothalamus or pituitary, resulting in central diabetes insipidus.
Central diabetes insipidus is typically treated with desmopressin, a synthetic form of ADH, which helps the kidneys retain water. Nephrogenic diabetes insipidus, where the kidneys do not respond to ADH, is treated differently, often with thiazide diuretics, which paradoxically reduce urine output, along with a low-salt diet and anti-inflammatory drugs if the cause is inflammation.
Source: MedlinePlus, National Library of Medicine

MedlinePlus brings together authoritative health information from the National Library of Medicine (NLM), the National Institutes of Health (NIH), and other government agencies and health-related organizations.

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