Overview
Diabetes insipidus (die-uh-BEE-teze in-SIP-uh-dus) is an uncommon problem that causes the fluids in the body to become out of balance. That prompts the body to make large amounts of urine. It also causes a feeling of being very thirsty even after having something to drink. Diabetes insipidus also is called arginine vasopressin deficiency and arginine vasopressin resistance.
While the terms “diabetes insipidus” and “diabetes mellitus” sound alike, the two conditions are not connected. Diabetes mellitus involves high blood sugar levels. It’s a common condition, and it’s often called simply diabetes.
There’s no cure for diabetes insipidus. But treatment is available that can ease its symptoms. That includes relieving thirst, lowering the amount of urine the body makes and preventing dehydration.
Symptoms
Symptoms of diabetes insipidus in adults include:
- Being very thirsty, often with a preference for cold water.
- Making large amounts of pale urine.
- Getting up to urinate and drink water often during the night.
Adults typically urinate an average of 1 to 3 quarts (about 1 to 3 liters) a day. People who have diabetes insipidus and who drink a lot of fluids may make as much as 20 quarts (about 19 liters) of urine a day.
A baby or young child who has diabetes insipidus may have these symptoms:
- Large amounts of pale urine that result in heavy, wet diapers.
- Bed-wetting.
- Being very thirsty, with a preference for drinking water and cold liquids.
- Weight loss.
- Poor growth.
- Vomiting.
- Irritability.
- Fever.
- Constipation.
- Headache.
- Problems sleeping.
- Vision problems.
When to see a doctor
See your health care provider right away if you notice that you’re urinating much more than usual and you’re very thirsty on a regular basis