Diabetes insipidus

Overview

Diabetes insipidus happens when fluid levels in the body are out of balance. Often, an issue with a hormone called antidiuretic hormone (ADH) causes it. The body either doesn't make enough ADH or doesn't respond to it as expected. There's no cure for diabetes insipidus, but treatment can ease symptoms.

Symptoms

Diabetes insipidus can cause adults to pass large amounts of pale urine and be very thirsty. Babies or young children with diabetes insipidus may have heavy, wet diapers. These children may wet the bed and have fever, vomiting, trouble passing stool, slow growth or poor weight gain.

Treatments

Treatment depends on the type of diabetes insipidus. Some people take a lab-made hormone to replace ADH. Others need treatment for an issue that affects ADH or the body's response to it. If medicines cause diabetes insipidus, treatment may involve stopping the medicine under a healthcare professional's direction.