Diabetes Insipidus Discharge Instructions

About this topic

Diabetes insipidus causes your body to make too much urine. This can lead to you feeling thirsty all the time. Sometimes, the body does not make enough of a hormone called antidiuretic hormone or ADH. ADH tells the kidneys how much urine to make. Other times, the body makes enough ADH, but the kidneys continue to pass a lot of urine. ‚
Treatment will depend on what type of diabetes insipidus you have. All types work to lower the amount of urine your body makes. ‚

View OriginalView Original

What care is needed at home?

Ask your doctor what you need to do when you go home. Make sure you ask questions if you do not understand what the doctor says. This way you will know what you need to do.
The doctor may order drugs to replace the ADH that your body is not making or to help your kidneys work better. Take them as directed by your doctor.
Wear a medical alert bracelet.
Your diet may change to one that is low in salt and protein. Ask to talk with a dietitian.
Your doctor may change the drugs you take all the time. Sometimes, one of them may be making the problem worse.
You will need to watch your signs and how much urine you are passing during treatment.
You may be asked to drink less fluids.
Double voiding may be helpful. Pass urine, then wait 10 minutes and pass urine again. This will help empty your bladder fully.

What follow-up care is needed?

Your doctor may ask you to make visits to the office to check on your progress. Be sure to keep these visits. You may be asked for blood and urine samples to see how well you are doing. ‚

What drugs may be needed?

The doctor may order drugs to: ‚

Lower urine output
Replace the hormone ADH
Make the hormone (ADH) you have work better

Will physical activity be limited?

Talk to your doctor about the right amount of activity for you. ‚

What problems could happen?

Fluid loss
Salt balance in the body may be wrong. There can be too much salt and very little water or too little salt and lots of water.
Low sodium levels in the blood can cause brain damage (water intoxication).

When do I need to call the doctor?

Signs of low levels of salt and water. These include dizziness, not thinking clearly, dry mouth and lips, feeling irritable.
Headaches
Upset stomach or throwing up
Problems with eyesight
Feel very thirsty
Passing lots of urine
Feeling very tired
Fainting spells
Seizure
If you are planning on getting pregnant
You are not feeling better in 2 to 3 days or you are feeling worse

Teach Back: Helping You Understand

The Teach Back Method helps you understand the information we are giving you. The idea is simple. After talking with the staff, tell them in your own words what you were just told. This helps to make sure the staff has covered each thing clearly. It also helps to explain things that may have been a bit confusing. Before going home, make sure you are able to do these: ‚

I can tell you about my condition.
I can tell you how I plan to watch how much fluid I drink and how much urine I pass.
I can tell you what I will do if I feel dizzy, am not thinking clearly, and have dry mouth and lips.

Where can I learn more?

NHS Choices ‚
http://www.nhs.uk/Conditions/Diabetes-insipidus/Pages/Complications.aspx ‚

Consumer Information Use and Disclaimer

This information is not specific medical advice and does not replace information you receive from your health care provider. This is only a brief summary of general information. It does NOT include all information about conditions, illnesses, injuries, tests, procedures, treatments, therapies, discharge instructions or life-style choices that may apply to you. You must talk with your health care provider for complete information about your health and treatment options. This information should not be used to decide whether or not to accept your health care providers advice, instructions or recommendations. Only your health care provider has the knowledge and training to provide advice that is right for you. ‚

Home

Erectile Dysfunction

Doctor123.org