What is diabetes insipidus (DI)? Diabetes insipidus is a
condition that results from insufficient production of the
antidiuretic hormone (ADH), a hormone that helps the body
conserve the correct amount of water. Diabetes insipidus is not
related to the more common type of diabetes called diabetes
mellitus. Normally, ADH controls the kidneys' output of urine.
ADH is secreted by the hypothalamus (a small gland located at
the base of the brain), stored in the pituitary gland and then
released into the bloodstream. ADH is secreted to decrease the
amount of urine output so that dehydration does not occur.
Diabetes insipidus, however, results in excessive production of
very diluted urine and excessive thirst. The disease is
categorized into groups based on cause. The groups are described
below: Central diabetes insipidus. This condition is caused by
insufficient production or secretion of pituitary ADH; it can be
a result of damage to the hypothalamus or pituitary gland caused
by head injuries, genetic disorders, a