Alternative Names & Classifications:
Diabetes Insipidus (CLINICAL)
Description
Diabetes insipidus (DI) is entirely unrelated to blood sugar; rather, it is a failure of fluid regulation caused by a deficiency in, or resistance to, antidiuretic hormone (ADH/vasopressin). Without functioning ADH, the kidneys are unable to concentrate urine and retain water. This can be caused by damage to the hypothalamus or pituitary (central DI) or a structural defect in the kidneys (nephrogenic DI).