Diabetes Insipidus
Overview
Causes
Central DI happens when the body does not make enough of a hormone that controls urine. The cause is not always known. Rarely, it can be from a faulty gene. Some causes are:
- Inflammation
- Surgery
- Head injury
- Tumors
- Infection
NDI happens when the body makes the hormone that controls urine but the kidneys do not respond to it. Causes are:
- Some medicines, such as lithium
- Metabolic causes, such as too much calcium or too little potassium
- Something that blocks the urinary tract
- Not eating enough protein
Pituitary Gland |
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SymptomsandDiagnosis
Symptoms
Symptoms may be:
- Urinating more, often at night
- Being very thirsty
Babies and children may be:
- Fussy
- Feed poorly
- Not gaining weight
- Urinating at night or wetting the bed
Treatments
Treatment
Central DI is treated with a man-made hormone that takes the place of the hormone that a person's body makes to control urine.
NDI may be treated with:
- Drinking plenty of water
- Treating the cause, such as too much calcium in the blood
- Stopping or changing medicines, such as lithium
This content is reviewed regularly and is updated when new and relevant evidence is made available. This information is neither intended nor implied to be a substitute for professional medical advice. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health provider prior to starting any new treatment or with questions regarding a medical condition.
Edits to original content made by Denver Health.
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