Updated: Feb 6, 2009
The word diabetes is derived from the Greek verb diabainein, which means to stand with legs apart (as in urination) or to go through. Insipidus comes from a Latin word meaning without taste. In contrast to diabetes mellitus (DM), which describes the excretion of sweet urine, diabetes insipidus (DI) describes the passing of tasteless urine because of its relatively low sodium content.
Nephrogenic diabetes insipidus (NDI) reached North America in 1761 and was carried by Ulster Scots who arrived in Nova Scotia, Canada, on a ship named Hopewell.1 Scottish folklore reports the existence of the disease in Scotland before 1761. According to legend, a gypsy woman traveling with her thirsty son is denied water by a housewife. The gypsy woman curses the housewife, causing the housewife's sons to crave water while condemning her daughters to pass the curse on to future generations.
The basis of water loss in diabetes insipidus is distinct from water loss caused by diabetes mellitus. The renal tubular collecting ducts are unable to concentrate urine secondary to vasopressin deficiency or resistance. The collecting duct concentrates urine by reabsorbing water, a function controlled by the posterior pituitary gland via secretion of vasopressin or antidiuretic hormone (ADH). Reabsorption of sugars, amino acids, and virtually all electrolytes is completed by the time the urine has reached this segment of the nephron. Consequently, the inability to conserve water by reabsorption in the collecting duct depletes body water but leaves sodium unaffected. The net result is an extremely diluted, increased urine output resulting in hypernatremia. Polydipsia follows, as the thirst mechanism urges replenishment of body water.
Secretion of vasopressin occurs in the posterior pituitary gland and is regulated at the paraventricular and supraoptic nuclei, which sense changes in osmolality. Destruction of the paraventricular or supraoptic nuclei or of the posterior pituitary by tumor, pressure, or surgical ablation results in decreased vasopressin secretion and central diabetes insipidus (CDI). Alternatively, diabetes insipidus may be idiopathic or inherited either as an autosomal dominant or as an autosomal recessive trait (locus 20p13).
Nephrogenic diabetes insipidus arises from defective or absent receptor sites at the cortical collecting duct segment of the nephron (X-linked, vasopressin V2 receptor deficiency, locus Xq28) or defective or absent aquaporin, the protein that transports water at the collecting duct (autosomal recessive, locus 12q13). The X-linked variety of nephrogenic diabetes insipidus (NDI) accounts for about 90% of all such cases.
As a consequence of one of these defects, the ducts do not appropriately respond to vasopressin. Normally, vasopressin is transported in the blood to receptor sites on the basolateral surface of the collecting duct membrane. Through a G protein–adenylate cyclase coupling, activation of the vasopressin receptor increases cyclic adenosine monophosphate (AMP) production and stimulates protein kinase A, leading to increased recycling of the protein aquaporin in the plasma membrane.
In the presence of vasopressin stimulus, exocytic insertion of aquaporin into the apical, or luminal, surface of the tubule cell occurs. Aquaporin enhances water entry into the cell from the lumen. Absence of the vasopressin receptor does not allow this process to take place, causing inhibition of water uptake and polyuria. Alternatively, defective or absent aquaporin impairs the process in the presence of normal V2 receptors.
Tumors, infiltrative lesions, malformations, and neurosurgical procedures are the most common causes of central diabetes insipidus. Of the genetic etiologies, the overall incidence in the general population is estimated to be 3 cases per 100,000 population (0.003%). The male-to-female ratio is 60:40. X-linked nephrogenic diabetes insipidus is very rare, although it exceeds the recessive variety by a ratio of 9:1. The mutation for males is 4 cases per million population.
Dehydration results from an inability to reabsorb free water at a site distal to electrolyte reabsorption. Any patient unable to continuously replace water loss is vulnerable to dehydration, especially in warm weather when insensible water loss through perspiration and respiration substantially increases risk. Electrolyte abnormalities are caused by the loss of urinary free water, which produces hyperosmolar dehydration, leading to hypernatremia, hyperchloremia, and prerenal azotemia. Diminished blood volume increases blood viscosity and the risk of sludging and thrombosis.
Failure to thrive occurs because of the patient's constant thirst conferring a sense of fullness that offsets the sense of hunger. The affected individual eats less than necessary for normal growth. Seizures are a consequence of the electrolyte abnormalities introduced in the CNS by severe hypernatremia and hyperosmolar dehydration. Mental retardation results from the damage to the CNS caused by severe hyperosmolarity, seizures, and potential hypoxia, all of which are thought to account for the frequent occurrence of mental retardation. Death can occur from a hypovolemic shock or a hypernatremic seizure.
Central diabetes insipidus secondary to hypothalamic-pituitary lesions occurs at random and should, therefore, be evenly distributed between the sexes. Autosomal dominant and autosomal recessive central diabetes insipidus occur equally in both sexes. Nephrogenic diabetes insipidus caused by an X-linked mutation affects only males. Autosomal dominant and autosomal recessive forms of nephrogenic diabetes insipidus equally affect both sexes.
Diabetes insipidus occurs in people of a wide age range. Children who present with autosomal recessive central diabetes insipidus are generally younger than 1 year. Children who present with autosomal dominant central diabetes insipidus are often older than 1 year. Nephrogenic diabetes insipidus forms (including X-linked, autosomal dominant, and autosomal recessive forms) develop in early infancy, often in neonates younger than 1 week.
Diabetes insipidus is due to either (1) deficiency of vasopressin secretion by the pituitary gland (central diabetes insipidus or neurogenic diabetes insipidus) or to (2) renal tubular unresponsiveness to vasopressin (nephrogenic diabetes insipidus [NDI]).
Head Trauma
Medullary Cystic Disease
Sickle Cell Anemia
Histiocytosis X
Hypercalcemic nephropathy
Hypokalemic nephropathy
Interstitial nephritis
Posterior fossa tumor
Neurosurgical ablation of neurohypophysis
Psychogenic polydipsia
Water intoxication (excessive consumption)
For central diabetes insipidus (CDI), the treatment of choice is desmopressin (a synthetic vasopressin analogue). It is available in parenteral, intranasal, and oral dosage forms. The doses widely vary depending on the preparation used, so take care to correctly calculate the dose. Other useful medications include chlorpropamide and thiazide diuretics. The latter 2 can result in a 25-75% reduction in urine volume and can be used in combination with each other.
Nephrogenic diabetes insipidus (NDI) cannot be effectively treated with desmopressin because the receptor sites are defective and the kidney is prevented from responding. Thiazide diuretics, amiloride,5 and indomethacin or aspirin are useful when coupled with a low-solute diet.
Diabetes insipidus of central origin is due to absence of vasopressin secretion by the pituitary. Consequently, use of a synthetic vasopressin analogue (ie, desmopressin) is required. The natural compound vasopressin (ie, antidiuretic hormone [ADH]) may be used to diagnose nephrogenic diabetes insipidus. It has a very short natural half-life. This permits its safe use in distinguishing central diabetes insipidus from nephrogenic diabetes insipidus by obviating prolonged fluid accumulation in the former. As an aqueous preparation, it can be administered parenterally, intramuscularly, or subcutaneously.
A synthetic analogue (1-[3-mercaptopropionic acid]-8-D-arginine vasopressin monoacetate trihydrate) of pituitary ADH. Increases cellular permeability of collecting ducts, resulting in reabsorption of water by kidneys.
Dosage must be individualized. Drug is supplied as parenteral (4 mcg/mL), nasal (100 mcg/mL rhinal tube), and PO (0.1- and 0.2-mg tab) preparations.
0.5-1 mL/d (2-4 mcg/d) IV/SC divided bid
0.1-0.4 mL/d (10-40 mcg) intranasally divided bid/tid
0.1-1.2 mg/d PO divided bid/tid
0.05-0.5 mL/d (0.2-2 mcg/d) IV/SC divided bid
0.05-0.3 mL/d (5-30 mcg/d) intranasally qd or divided bid/tid
>4 years: 0.05-0.2 mg/d PO divided bid/tid
Coadministration with demeclocycline and lithium decreases effects; fludrocortisone and chlorpropamide increase effects of desmopressin
Documented hypersensitivity; platelet-type von Willebrand disease; water loss due to NDI
B - Fetal risk not confirmed in studies in humans but has been shown in some studies in animals
Use carefully and monitor serum sodium and body weight because of the danger of overdose and consequent water intoxication; hyponatremia may occur from overdose; every patient must be individually evaluated for optimal dose
Has vasopressor and ADH activity. Increases water resorption at distal renal tubular epithelium (ADH effect) and promotes smooth muscle contraction throughout vascular bed of renal tubular epithelium (vasopressor effects). However vasoconstriction also increased in splanchnic, portal, coronary, cerebral, peripheral, pulmonary, and intrahepatic vessels.
Use only the aqueous preparation, which has a short half-life. Vasopressin tannate in oil, which has a longer action, should not be used.
0.5 mU (0.0005 unit)/kg/h IV continuous infusion initially, dilute in 0.9% NaCl or 5% glucose to 0.1-1 U/mL; dosage may be doubled q30min prn; not to exceed 10 mU/kg/h
5-10 U IM/SC bid/qid prn; not to exceed 60 U/d
IV: Administer as in adults
IM/SC: 2.5-10 U IM/SC bid/qid prn
Decreased biological activity reported with lithium, demeclocycline, epinephrine, heparin, and alcohol; increased biological activity reported with chlorpropamide, carbamazepine, tricyclic antidepressants, clofibrate, and fludrocortisone
Documented hypersensitivity; chronic renal disease with nitrogen retention
C - Fetal risk revealed in studies in animals but not established or not studied in humans; may use if benefits outweigh risk to fetus
Use with care in seizure disorders, migraines, asthma, vascular disease, renal disease, cardiac disease, goiter, and arteriosclerosis
Thiazide diuretics impair sodium chloride reabsorption in the distal tubule, reducing the loss of free water to the collecting system and increasing urine concentration. Reduction in urine volume derives from a concomitant action on the proximal tubule, which causes enhanced reabsorption of isoosmotic sodium chloride from the glomerular filtrate, thus drawing additional water along. The net result of both processes is a smaller volume and a higher concentration of the urine.
Thiazide diuretic.
Combination of decreased free water delivery to distal tubule and increased sodium chloride reabsorption in proximal tubule underlies the efficacy in DI therapy.
25-50 mg/d PO
<2 years: 2-4 mg/kg/d PO bid/qd; not to exceed 37.5 mg/d
>2 years: 2-4 mg/kg/d PO bid/qd; not to exceed 100 mg/d
Thiazides may decrease effects of anticoagulants, antigout agents, and sulfonylureas; thiazides may increase toxicity of allopurinol, anesthetics, antineoplastics, calcium salts, loop diuretics, lithium, diazoxide, digitalis, amphotericin B, and nondepolarizing muscle relaxants
Documented hypersensitivity; anuria; renal decompensation
B - Fetal risk not confirmed in studies in humans but has been shown in some studies in animals
Monitor urine output and serum electrolytes carefully; caution in renal disease, hepatic disease, gout, DM, and systemic lupus erythematosus
Potassium-sparing diuretic. Has a potassium-sparing effect, so risk of hypokalemia is decreased in combination with hydrochlorothiazide. In addition, the 2 agents are synergistic with respect to antidiuresis.
5-10 mg/d PO; not to exceed 20 mg/d
Titrate dose gradually, not to exceed 20 mg/1.73 m2/d PO divided bid/tid; may induce nausea in children <4 y
Concomitant therapy with potassium supplementation may increase serum potassium levels so use caution and monitor serum potassium levels frequently if concomitant use of these agents is indicated because of demonstrated hypokalemia; lithium generally should not be administered with diuretics because they may reduce renal clearance and add a high risk of lithium toxicity; administration of nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory agents can reduce diuretic, natriuretic, and antihypertensive effects of loop, potassium-sparing, and thiazide diuretics when used concomitantly, observe patient closely to determine if desired effect of diuretic is obtained; indomethacin and potassium-sparing diuretics, including amiloride, may be associated with increased serum potassium levels, consider potential effects on potassium kinetics and renal function
Documented hypersensitivity; elevated serum potassium levels (>5.5 mEq/L); impaired renal function; acute or chronic renal insufficiency; evidence of diabetic nephropathy
B - Fetal risk not confirmed in studies in humans but has been shown in some studies in animals
Monitor electrolytes and renal function carefully if evidence of renal functional impairment is present, ie, BUN >30 mg/100 mL or serum creatinine levels >1.5 mg/100 mL
These agents act synergistically with thiazides to diminish urine volume, although precise mechanism is unknown.
Nonsteroidal prostaglandin inhibitor with antipyretic properties.
25 mg PO bid/tid; not to exceed 200 mg/d
<2 years: Do not use
>2 years: 2 mg/kg/d PO divided bid/qid doses; not to exceed 150 mg/d
Coadministration with aspirin increases risk of inducing serious NSAID-related adverse effects; probenecid may increase concentrations and, possibly, toxicity of NSAIDs; may decrease effect of hydralazine, captopril, and beta-blockers; may decrease diuretic effects of furosemide and thiazides; may increase PT when taking anticoagulants (instruct patients to watch for signs of bleeding); may increase risk of methotrexate toxicity; phenytoin levels may be increased when administered concurrently
Documented hypersensitivity; GI bleeding; renal insufficiency
B - Fetal risk not confirmed in studies in humans but has been shown in some studies in animals
Category D in third trimester of pregnancy; acute renal insufficiency, hyperkalemia, hyponatremia, interstitial nephritis, and renal papillary necrosis may occur; increases risk of acute renal failure in patients with preexisting renal disease or compromised renal perfusion; reversible leukopenia may occur (discontinue if persistent leukopenia, granulocytopenia, or thrombocytopenia is present)
These compounds are an alternative therapy to desmopressin and can be used in combination with thiazide diuretics. Sulfonylurea compounds have the reported property of causing a syndrome identical to inappropriate ADH secretion.
Promotes renal response to ADH. In CDI, ADH secretion is absent, although ADH receptor sites remain present in the kidney. Thus, interaction of the receptors with sulfonylurea compounds can produce a physiologic antidiuresis.
Dosage must be individualized. Available only in tab form.
150-250 mg/d PO initially, slowly increase in 50 mg/d increments q3-5d if hypoglycemia does not supervene; not to exceed 750 mg/d
Not established; limited data suggest a starting dose of 50 mg/d PO, may increase by 50 mg/d increments q3-5d; not to exceed 150 mg/d; carefully monitor blood glucose
Clofibrate, fenfluramine, histamine (H2) antagonists, androgens, azole antifungals, anticoagulants, chloramphenicol, fluconazole, gemfibrozil, magnesium salts, methyldopa, MAOIs, probenecid, salicylates, sulfinpyrazone, urinary acidifiers, and sulfonamides may enhance hypoglycemic effects; nicotinic acid, PO contraceptives, isoniazid, hydantoins, estrogens, diazoxide, corticosteroids, cholestyramine, beta-blockers, calcium channel blockers, phenothiazines, rifampin, thiazide diuretics, urinary alkalinizers, and sympathomimetics may decrease hypoglycemic effects; may increase effects of digitalis glycosides
Documented hypersensitivity; ketoacidosis; type 1 DM
C - Fetal risk revealed in studies in animals but not established or not studied in humans; may use if benefits outweigh risk to fetus
Monitor carefully for hypoglycemia, hyponatremia, and fluid overload; caution in hepatic and renal impairment; cardiovascular disorders may occur
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diabetes insipidus, DI, hypernatremia, thirst, polydipsia, dehydration, central diabetes insipidus, CDI, nephrogenic diabetes insipidus, NDI, failure to thrive, nocturia, fecalith, Wolfram syndrome, diabetes mellitus, optic atrophy, mental retardation, hypokalemia, hypercalcemia
James CM Chan, MD, Professor of Pediatrics, University of Vermont College of Medicine; Director of Research, The Barbara Bush Children's Hospital, Maine Medical Center
James CM Chan, MD is a member of the following medical societies: Alpha Omega Alpha, American Academy of Pediatrics, American Association of University Professors, American Chemical Society, American Heart Association, American Medical Association, American Physiological Society, American Society for Bone and Mineral Research, American Society of Nephrology, American Society of Pediatric Nephrology, International Society of Nephrology, New York Academy of Sciences, Society for Experimental Biology and Medicine, and Southern Society for Pediatric Research
Disclosure: Nothing to disclose.
Karl S Roth, MD, Professor and Chair, Department of Pediatrics, Creighton University School of Medicine
Karl S Roth, MD is a member of the following medical societies: Alpha Omega Alpha, American Academy of Pediatrics, American College of Nutrition, American Pediatric Society, American Society for Clinical Nutrition, American Society of Nephrology, Association of American Medical Colleges, Medical Society of Virginia, New York Academy of Sciences, Sigma Xi, Society for Pediatric Research, and Southern Society for Pediatric Research
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Thomas A Wilson, MD, Professor of Clinical Pediatrics, Department of Pediatrics; Director of Pediatric Endocrinology, Division of Pediatric Endocrinology, Department of Pediatrics, State University of New York at Stony Brook
Thomas A Wilson, MD is a member of the following medical societies: Endocrine Society, Lawson-Wilkins Pediatric Endocrine Society, and Phi Beta Kappa
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Mary L Windle, PharmD, Adjunct Assistant Professor, University of Nebraska Medical Center College of Pharmacy, Pharmacy Editor, eMedicine
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George P Chrousos, MD, FAAP, MACP, MACE, FRCP(London), Professor and Chair, First Department of Pediatrics, Athens University Medical School, Aghia Sophia Children's Hospital, Greece
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Merrily P M Poth, MD, Professor, Department of Pediatrics and Neuroscience, Uniformed Services University of the Health Sciences
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Stephen Kemp, MD, PhD, Professor, Department of Pediatrics, Section of Pediatric Endocrinology, University of Arkansas and Arkansas Children's Hospital
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