Diabetes Insipidus: Causes, Symptoms, and Treatment
Medically reviewed by Achuta Uppu, MD, Internal Medicine. Last reviewed: October 23, 2026.
What kind of doctor treats Diabetes Insipidus?
A primary care doctor can start your evaluation. You may be sent to a nephrologist, a kidney doctor, or an endocrinologist, a hormone doctor. A direct primary care or concierge doctor can be a first stop for an evaluation and can refer you to a specialist when needed.
What is diabetes insipidus?
Diabetes insipidus (DI) is a rare disorder that causes the body to make too much urine. Most people make 1 to 3 quarts of urine a day, but people with DI can make up to 20 quarts a day. DI affects about 1 in 25,000 people worldwide.
Diabetes insipidus is not the same as diabetes mellitus. In diabetes mellitus, the level of glucose in your blood is too high. In DI, your blood glucose is normal, but your kidneys cannot properly concentrate urine.
Symptoms
The main symptoms of DI are:
- Needing to pee often, both day and night.
- Passing a lot of light-colored urine each time.
- Feeling very thirsty and drinking a lot.
The main problem with DI is dehydration. This is when your body loses too much fluid to work properly. You can usually make up for the fluid you lose by drinking more liquids. If you do not, you could quickly become dehydrated. Signs of dehydration include thirst, dry mouth, and feeling tired.
Causes and who gets it
DI is usually caused by problems with vasopressin, a hormone that helps your kidneys manage fluid in your body. There are four types: central, nephrogenic, dipsogenic, and gestational.
- Central DI: your body does not make enough vasopressin. Causes include damage to the hypothalamus or pituitary gland from surgery, infection, inflammation, a tumor, or a head injury.
- Nephrogenic DI: your body makes enough vasopressin, but your kidneys do not respond to it well. Causes include some medicines, low potassium or high calcium in your blood, or a blocked urinary tract.
- Dipsogenic DI: a problem with your hypothalamus makes you feel thirsty and drink more.
- Gestational DI: a rare, short-term condition that can start during pregnancy.
The hypothalamus is a small area of your brain near the pituitary gland. People of all ages can develop DI. You are more likely to develop DI if you:
- Have a family history of DI.
- Had brain surgery or a major head injury.
- Take medicines that can harm the kidneys, such as some bipolar disorder medicines.
How doctors diagnose it
Your doctor will do a physical exam and ask about your health history, including your family's health. Other tests may include:
- Urine test: can show if your urine is too watery.
- Water deprivation test: you do not drink any liquids for several hours.
Treatment
The main way to treat DI is to drink enough liquids to prevent dehydration.
- Central DI: doctors most often use desmopressin, a man-made hormone that replaces the vasopressin your body is not making. It comes as a nasal spray, a pill, or a shot.
- Nephrogenic DI: it may go away after treating its cause. Your provider may also prescribe thiazides, a kind of diuretic, to help make less urine.
- Dipsogenic DI: researchers have not found an effective way to treat it. Sucking on ice chips may help reduce thirst. Your provider may also check your blood sodium, which can drop too low.
- Gestational DI: it is treated with desmopressin, which is safe for both mother and baby.
To reduce symptoms, your provider may suggest a diet that is low in salt and protein.
When to see a doctor
Tell your doctor if you pee often day and night, pass a lot of pale urine, and feel very thirsty. Severe dehydration can lead to seizures, permanent brain damage, and even death. Seek care right away if you feel confused, dizzy, or sluggish. Call 911 or go to the emergency room if someone has a seizure or faints. If you pee often or feel very thirsty again after treatment, contact your provider.
How a direct primary care or concierge doctor fits in
A direct primary care doctor charges a flat monthly fee instead of billing insurance, while a concierge doctor usually charges more and often works alongside insurance. A direct primary care or concierge doctor can do a physical exam and ask about your health history. They can also refer you to a hormone or kidney specialist.
Common questions
Is diabetes insipidus the same as diabetes?
No. Diabetes insipidus is not the same as diabetes mellitus. In diabetes mellitus, blood glucose is too high. In DI, it is normal.
Can diet cause or prevent diabetes insipidus?
No. Researchers have not found that diet plays a role in causing or preventing DI.
Can diabetes insipidus go away?
Sometimes. Nephrogenic DI may go away after treating its cause. Gestational DI usually goes away after the baby is born.
Can people with diabetes insipidus live a normal life?
Most can. Most people with DI can live a normal life if they follow their provider's advice and keep their symptoms under control.
Sources
- National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases - Diabetes Insipidus
- MedlinePlus - Diabetes insipidus
Medical Disclaimer
This content is for general educational and informational purposes only and is not medical advice. It is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment, and reading it does not create a doctor-patient relationship. Always seek the advice of your physician or another qualified health provider with any questions about a medical condition, and never disregard or delay seeking professional advice because of something you read here. If you think you may have a medical emergency, call 911 (or your local emergency number) immediately.
