Diabetes insipidus

Updated: 2023-03-07

Overview

Diabetes insipidus happens when fluid levels in the body are thrown out of balance. Often, a problem with a hormone called antidiuretic hormone (ADH) causes it. The body doesn't make enough ADH or doesn't properly respond to it. Diabetes insipidus is different from diabetes mellitus. Diabetes mellitus involves high blood sugar.

Symptoms

Diabetes insipidus can cause adults to pass large amounts of pale urine. The disease also can cause extreme thirst. Babies or young children with diabetes insipidus may have heavy, wet diapers. They may wet the bed and have trouble sleeping. They also may have fever, vomiting, constipation, delayed growth or weight loss.

Treatments

There are different types of diabetes insipidus. Treatment varies by type. Some people take a lab-made hormone to replace ADH. Others need care for a health problem that affects ADH or the body's response to it. In some cases, medicines can cause symptoms of diabetes insipidus. These may need to be stopped under a health care provider's care.