DI stands for Diabetes Insipidus.
What does DI mean?
a disorder of water balance causing large amounts of dilute urine
DI stands for diabetes insipidus, a condition in which the body cannot properly balance its fluids, leading to the passing of large amounts of dilute urine and intense thirst. It is unrelated to diabetes mellitus and does not involve blood sugar. It is caused either by a lack of antidiuretic hormone (central DI) or by the kidneys not responding to it (nephrogenic DI). It is, in effect, the opposite of SIADH. Treatment depends on the type and may include the synthetic hormone desmopressin.
When is DI used?
DI is documented in endocrinology and general medical notes when investigating excessive thirst and urination.
Frequently asked questions
What does DI stand for?
DI stands for diabetes insipidus, a disorder of water balance causing large amounts of dilute urine.
Is diabetes insipidus related to diabetes mellitus?
No. Despite the shared name, DI does not involve blood sugar and is a problem of water balance.
What causes diabetes insipidus?
Either a lack of antidiuretic hormone, called central DI, or the kidneys not responding to it, called nephrogenic DI.
How is DI different from SIADH?
DI involves too little antidiuretic hormone with excessive urination, while SIADH involves too much, with water retention.