Central diabetes insipidus: What it is and how to manage it
Have you ever felt extremely thirsty even after drinking plenty of water? Do you find yourself making frequent trips to the bathroom, especially at night? If so, you might be wondering what's going on. One possible explanation is a rare condition called central diabetes insipidus (CDI).
This article will explain what central diabetes insipidus is, how it affects your body, what causes it, and what you can do to manage it effectively.
What is central diabetes insipidus?
Central diabetes insipidus is a condition where your body doesn’t make enough of a hormone called vasopressin, also known as antidiuretic hormone (ADH). This hormone is produced in a part of your brain called the hypothalamus and stored in the pituitary gland.
ADH helps your kidneys control how much water to keep and how much to release as urine. Without enough ADH, your body loses too much water through urination, leading to dehydration and constant thirst.
How is it different from other types of diabetes?
Despite the name, central diabetes insipidus is not related to diabetes mellitus (types 1 and 2), which involves blood sugar. The term "diabetes" simply refers to excessive urination. In CDI, this happens because your kidneys can't retain water properly.work
There’s also another type called nephrogenic diabetes insipidus, where the kidneys don’t respond to ADH properly. In CDI, the issue is with hormone production, not kidney response.
What causes central diabetes insipidus?
CDI can be caused by anything that affects the hypothalamus or pituitary gland, such as:
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Head injury or brain surgery
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Tumors
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Infections like meningitis or encephalitis
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Genetic conditions
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Autoimmune diseases
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In rare cases, the cause may be unknown (idiopathic)
What are the symptoms of central diabetes insipidus
The hallmark symptoms include:
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Excessive thirst (especially for cold water)
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Frequent urination (often every 15–30 minutes)
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Waking up multiple times at night to urinate
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Dehydration despite drinking fluids
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Fatigue or trouble concentrating due to poor sleep
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Dry skin or dizziness in some cases
In children, it may also cause bedwetting, irritability, or poor growth.
How is CDI diagnosed?
If your doctor suspects central diabetes insipidus, they may order:
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Urine tests: To check how diluted your urine is
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Blood tests: To measure sodium and ADH levels
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Water deprivation test: To observe how your body reacts without fluids
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MRI scan: To look at your pituitary and hypothalamus for structural changes
These tests help rule out other causes and confirm the diagnosis.
How is central diabetes insipidus treated?
The main treatment for CDI is a medication called desmopressin (DDAVP). It acts like natural ADH and helps your kidneys retain water.
Desmopressin can be taken:
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As a nasal spray
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In tablet form
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By injection (in hospital settings)
Other treatment approaches include:
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Drinking to thirst: Keeping water with you and drinking when needed
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Monitoring your urine output: To prevent over- or underhydration
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Managing underlying conditions: Like infections or tumors if they caused CDI
What happens if CDI is left untreated?
Without treatment, CDI can lead to:
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Severe dehydration
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Electrolyte imbalances
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Fatigue and low blood pressure
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Kidney strain
In extreme cases, it may become life-threatening. That’s why timely diagnosis and consistent management are so important.
Living with central diabetes insipidus
With the right care, people with CDI can live full, active lives. Here are some practical tips:
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Always carry water with you
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Take medications as prescribed
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Tell your healthcare provider if symptoms change
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Wear a medical alert bracelet, especially if traveling or exercising
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Check in regularly with your endocrinologist
Is CDI permanent?
Sometimes. If it's caused by a temporary condition (like surgery or infection), it may go away over time. But in many cases, CDI is lifelong and needs ongoing treatment.
Your doctor will help monitor your condition and adjust your care plan as needed.
Takeaway
Central diabetes insipidus is a rare but manageable condition that affects your body's ability to conserve water. While symptoms like frequent urination and extreme thirst can disrupt daily life, effective treatments are available. Most people with CDI respond well to desmopressin and lifestyle changes that support hydration. If left untreated, CDI can lead to serious complications like dehydration or electrolyte imbalance, so early diagnosis and medical care are essential. Staying on top of your symptoms, maintaining open communication with your healthcare team, and adjusting your fluid intake as needed can make a big difference. Don’t ignore the signs — understanding what your body is telling you is the first step to feeling better and staying well.
Take the next step
Worried about unusual thirst or frequent urination? Our at-home hormone and hydration test can help you get answers and take control of your health.
Related Resources
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Understanding Fasting Glucose Levels: A Comprehensive Guide – The basics of blood sugar testing explained.
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Blood Sugar Monitoring in Diabetes – Tips for daily glucose checks.
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Type 4 Diabetes: Understanding Age-Related Insulin Resistance – Learn about another rare type of diabetes.
References
and, D. (2021). Diabetes Insipidus. Retrieved September 17, 2025, from National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases website: https://www.niddk.nih.gov/health-information/kidney-disease/diabetes-insipidus
Central Diabetes Insipidus (CDI): Symptoms, Diagnosis & Treatment. (2023, September 5). Retrieved September 17, 2025, from Cleveland Clinic website: https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/diseases/23515-central-diabetes-insipidus-cdi
Diabetes insipidus - Symptoms and causes. (2025). Retrieved September 17, 2025, from Mayo Clinic website: https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/diabetes-insipidus/symptoms-causes/syc-20351269
Hui, C., Khan, M., Khan, Z., & Radbel, J. M. (2024, January 11). Arginine Vasopressin Disorder (Diabetes Insipidus). Retrieved September 17, 2025, from Nih.gov website: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK470458/
Tomkins, M., Lawless, S., Martin-Grace, J., Sherlock, M., & Thompson, C. J. (2022). Diagnosis and Management of Central Diabetes Insipidus in Adults. The Journal of Clinical Endocrinology & Metabolism, 107(10), 2701–2715. https://doi.org/10.1210/clinem/dgac381
