Diabetes insipidus occurs when your body doesn't make enough antidiuretic hormone (ADH). Or it can occur when your kidneys don't respond to this hormone. ADH is a hormone that helps keep the right amount of water in your body. It does this by controlling how much urine your kidneys put out.

ADH is made by a small section of your brain located in the upper part of your pituitary gland called the hypothalamus. ADH is released by the posterior part of the pituitary gland. Normally, it's released into the bloodstream when your body's sodium concentration is high, or your total fluid level is low. This keeps you from losing too much water (dehydration). If you are a bit dehydrated, ADH should increase.

Diabetes insipidus is not related to the more common type of diabetes (diabetes mellitus).

There are several types of diabetes insipidus:

• Central. This is when the hypothalamus or pituitary gland in the brain doesn't make or send out enough ADH. It can happen if the hypothalamus or pituitary gland are damaged or there is something compressing them. That can be caused by a head wound, including surgery on the pituitary gland. It can also be caused by a genetic problem or other diseases.
• Nephrogenic. This is when the kidneys don't respond to normal levels of ADH. It can be caused by medicines like lithium, or rare genetic disorders. It can also be caused by kidney disease or low potassium or high calcium levels in the blood.
• Gestational. This occurs only during pregnancy and is very rare. In this type, an enzyme made by the placenta destroys ADH in the person who is pregnant.

Common symptoms may include:

• Being very thirsty.
• Urinating a lot.
• Dehydration.

These symptoms may look like other health problems. Always see your doctor for a diagnosis.

Your doctor will take your health history and give you a physical exam. You may also need tests, including:

• Urine tests.
• Blood tests to see how your hypothalamus, pituitary gland, and kidneys react to dehydration. This is called a formal water deprivation test.
• CT scan or MRI of the pituitary. You may need this to see if you have a structural problem in the hypothalamus or pituitary gland.

Treatment will depend on your symptoms, age, and general health. It will also depend on how severe the condition is.

Treatment for diabetes insipidus depends on what is causing it:

• All types. You will need to have a specific amount of fluid to prevent dehydration and to keep a normal sodium concentration.
• Central and gestational types. Treatment may include taking modified ADH medicines or medicines to stimulate ADH production.
• Nephrogenic type. Other medicines may be used.

If you don't drink enough fluids, you can get dehydrated. You can also have an electrolyte imbalance. This means not having the right balance of minerals in your body.

Dehydration can cause:

• Dry skin.
• Dry mouth, nose, and sinuses.
• Sluggishness.
• Confusion.
• Fever.
• Fast heart rate.
• Eyes that look sunken.
• Weight loss and weakness, especially when standing.

Electrolyte imbalance can cause:

• Tiredness.
• Headache.
• Muscle pains.
• Feeling very tired.
• Being grouchy (irritable).
• Irregular heartbeat.

It's important to follow your doctor's directions about medicines and fluid intake to prevent problems.

If your symptoms get worse or you have new symptoms, contact your doctor right away.

• Diabetes insipidus occurs when your body doesn't make enough antidiuretic hormone (ADH), or your kidneys don't react to it.
• It is not related to the more common type of diabetes (diabetes mellitus).
• Symptoms may include being very thirsty, urinating a lot, and dehydration.
• You may need to have blood tests and urine tests.
• Treatment depends on what is causing the disease. It may include taking medicines.

Tips to help you get the most from a visit to your doctor:

• Know the reason for your visit and what you want to happen.
• Before your visit, write down questions you want answered.
• Bring someone with you to help you ask questions and remember what your doctor tells you.
• At the visit, write down the name of a new diagnosis and any new medicines, treatments, or tests. Also write down any new instructions your doctor gives you.
• Know why a new medicine or treatment is prescribed and how it will help you. Also know what the side effects are.
• Ask if your condition can be treated in other ways.
• Know why a test or procedure is recommended and what the results could mean.
• Know what to expect if you do not take the medicine or have the test or procedure.
• If you have a follow-up appointment, write down the date, time, and purpose for that visit.
• Know how you can contact your doctor if you have questions.