November 30, 2000
Diabetes Insipidus
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Question from Thompson, Pennsylvania, USA:
My sister was told that her son has water diabetes. She would like more information about this.
Answer:
From: DTeam Staff
There is no such thing as “water diabetes.” However, your sister may be referring to something called Diabetes Insipidus in which the body does not control water balance. This occurs because of a missing hormone from the pituitary gland called vasopressin or because of some problems with how the kidney processes water.
The more common disorder, diabetes mellitus, is the type of diabetes in which the body has either an absolute or relative lack of insulin or an abnormality of insulin effect on tissues.
Consultation with an endocrinologist would be appropriate if the diagnosis of diabetes insipidus is being considered.
SB
