Copyright © 2003 The Diabetes Insipidus Foundation, Inc.

 
Please fill out DiF's survey, if you have not done so already. 

DiF Survey

 
Welcome to the Water World of Diabetes Insipidus:
"A DiFferent Diabetes!"

What is Diabetes Insipidus? 

diabainein: Greek, "to pass through"
insipidus: Latin, "having no flavor"

Also known as "water diabetes,"  it is often mistaken for diabetes mellitus/sugar diabetes.  It is a rare disease, not widely diagnosed,  in which the kidneys produce abnormally large volumes of dilute urine.

DiF's website includes information on all four forms of Diabetes Insipidus, as well as articles, brochures, stories, FAQ's, networking, Research Opportunities, a Professional Section including the Water Deprivation Protocol, and a section for Pets.  Please go to the Table of Contents for a detailed listing of the site.

There are four (4) fundamentally different types of Diabetes Insipidus (DI).  Each has a different cause and must be treated in a different way.  These four forms are:

Neurogenic, also known as central, hypothalamic, pituitary or neurohypophyseal is caused by a deficiency of the antidiuretic hormone, vasopressin. 

Nephrogenic, also known as vasopressin-resistant is caused by insensitivity of the kidneys to the effect of the antidiuretic hormone, vasopressin. More information about Nephrogenic DI can be found at the Nephrogenic Diabetes Insipidus Foundation.

Gestagenic, also known as gestational is also caused by a deficiency of the antidiuretic hormone, vasopressin, that occurs only during pregnancy.

Dipsogenic, a form of primary polydipsia is caused by abnormal thirst and the excessive intake of water or other liquids.

Top of Page

Last Updated December 2007 

The use of this web site is not a substitute for medical, legal, or other professional services. Consult a competent professional for answers to your specific questions.

Contact The Diabetes Insipidus Foundation, Inc. with questions about our foundation.

It is with great honor and heart-felt gratitude that we thank
Marie-Pierre Sokal and the citizens of Brussels, Belgium for allowing us to use their
"little Manneke Pis".