Diabetes Insipidus

As other conditions, including diabetes mellitus, cause frequent thirst and urination, part of the process of diagnosing diabetes insipidus involves ruling out other conditions. Because of this, your healthcare provider may order several tests if you’re experiencing these symptoms.

A diagnosis of diabetes insipidus also involves determining the type and cause of it.

What tests will be done to diagnose diabetes insipidus?

A water deprivation test is the simplest and most reliable method for diagnosing diabetes insipidus. If your provider orders this test, they’ll make sure you’re under constant supervision during the process, as it can cause dehydration.

A water deprivation test involves not drinking any liquid for several hours to see how your body responds. If you have diabetes insipidus, you’ll continue to pee large amounts of watery (dilute), light-colored urine when normally you’d only pee a small amount of concentrated, dark yellow urine.

Your provider may also order the following tests to help diagnose diabetes insipidus or rule out other conditions:

Blood test to check antidiuretic hormone (ADH, or vasopressin) levels.
Blood test to check glucose levels to rule out diabetes mellitus.
Urinalysis to check osmolality (the concentration of your urine) and/or to check for ketones, which could indicate diabetes mellitus.
Imaging tests, such as an MRI, to see if issues with your pituitary gland or hypothalamus are causing your diabetes insipidus.

Symptoms

When to see a doctor

Request an appointment

Complications

Blood clots are a dangerous complication of atrial fibrillation (AFib). Blood clots can lead to stroke.

The risk of stroke from AFib increases as you grow older. Other health conditions also may increase the risk of a stroke due to AFib. These conditions include:

High blood pressure.
Diabetes.
Heart failure.
Some types of heart valve disease.

Blood thinners are commonly prescribed to prevent blood clots and strokes in people with atrial fibrillation.

Prevention

Healthy lifestyle choices can reduce the risk of heart disease and may prevent atrial fibrillation (AFib). Here are some basic heart-healthy tips:

Control high blood pressure, high cholesterol and diabetes.
Don't smoke or use tobacco.
Eat a diet that's low in salt and saturated fat.
Exercise at least 30 minutes a day on most days of the week unless your health care team says not to.
Get good sleep. Adults should aim for 7 to 9 hours daily.
Maintain a healthy weight.
Reduce and manage stress.

By Freedmans Health Clinic Staff

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