Diabetes Insipidus Health Article

Treatment

A number of medications can be given to decrease the quantity of fluid passed out into the urine. These include vasopressin (Pitressin) injected and desmopressin acetate (DDAVP) inhaled through the nose. Other medications that may be given include some antidiuretic drugs (chlorpropamide, clofibrate, carbamazepine). Patients with nephrogenic DI, however, will also require special diets that restrict the amount of solute taken in. These patients are also treated with a type of medication called a thiazide diuretic.

Prognosis

Uncomplicated diabetes insipidus is controllable with adequate intake of water and most patients can lead normal lives.

BOOKS

Fishman, Mark C., et al. Medicine. Philadelphia: J. B. Lippincott Co., 1996.

Moses, Arnold M., and David H. P. Streeten. "Deficiency of Vasopressin: Diabetes Insipidus." In Harrison's Principles of Internal Medicine, ed. Anthony S. Fauci, et al. New York: McGraw-Hill, 1997.

PERIODICALS

Adam, Patricia. "Evaluation and Management of Diabetes Insipidus." American Family Physician 55, no. 6 (1 May 1997): 2146+.

Singer, Irwin, et al. "The Management of Diabetes Insipidus in Adults." Archives of Internal Medicine 157, no. 12 (23 June 1997): 1293+.

Rosalyn Carson-DeWitt, MD

KEY TERMS

Concentration—Refers to the amount of solute present in a solution, compared to the total amount of solvent.

Dilute—A solution that has comparatively more fluid in it, relative to the quantity of solute.

Osmolality—A measure of the solute-to-solvent concentration of a solution.

Solute—Solid substances that are dissolved in liquid in order to make a solution.