Diabetes insipidus (DI) results from abnormalities in the production or
use (two main types) of the hormone arginine vasopressin. The main
symptoms are excessive thirst and massive urination. The excess urine
flow is devoid of sugar. There are no blood glucose abnormalities, and
in fact there is nothing in common with diabetes mellitus except the
excess urination when untreated.

Diabetes insipidus caused by failure to produce vasopressin. This is
known as neurogenic DI (or central DI, or pituitary DI). It can be
treated with hormone replacement (by nasal spray or other routes). DI
caused by failure to use vasopressin (nephrogenic DI) is more difficult
to treat, but several drugs are available which help.

DI is much less common than diabetes mellitus, though a few people have
discussed it on misc.health.diabetes and are reading m.h.d. Such
participation is certainly welcome, but because the number of DI
patients is only 1 or 2 per 10,000 population (25,000-50,000 in the
US), there probably isn't a critical mass for discussion on Usenet.

I'm aware of two organizations which offer support specifically
related to DI.

DIARD publishes a support newsletter, maintains a support network,
distributes information on DI, and promotes education and research
related to DI, and has a web page with information and links:

     Diabetes Insipidus and Related Diseases Network
     535 Echo Court
     Saline, MI 48176-1270
     USA
     +1 734 944 0078
     email: GSMAYES(AT)aol.com
     web:   http://members.aol.com/ruudh/dipage1.htm

The DI Foundation publishes a quarterly newsletter, Endless Water,
promotes public awareness and understanding of DI, and provides
informational material to patients, medical practitioners and
researchers:

     The Diabetes Insipidus Foundation, Inc.
     4533 Ridge Drive
     Baltimore, MD 21229
     USA
     +1 410 247 3953
     email: diabetesinsipidus(AT)maxInter.net
     web:   http://diabetesinsipidus.maxInter.net

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