Author
Home > Health > What is the Difference Between Diabetes Insipidus and SIADH?

Guilherme Mazui

•3 minutes to read

What is the Difference Between Diabetes Insipidus and SIADH?

🆚 Go to Comparative Table 🆚

Diabetes insipidus and syndrome of inappropriate antidiuretic hormone secretion (SIADH) are two distinct conditions that affect fluid balance in the body, particularly in the kidneys. Here are the key differences between the two:

  • Diabetes Insipidus: This condition is characterized by the body producing too little antidiuretic hormone (ADH), which results in excessive urination and increased thirst. The body does not conserve enough water, leading to dehydration if left untreated.
  • SIADH: In contrast, SIADH is caused by an increased amount of ADH in the kidneys, leading the body to retain too much water. This can result in hyponatremia (low sodium levels) and hypovolemia (low blood volume) due to dehydration and excess water retention in the body tissues.

Both conditions can lead to complications and require different treatments. While diabetes insipidus is not the same as the more common diabetes mellitus (high blood sugar levels), it is possible to have both types of diabetes at the same time, although it is rare. Diabetes insipidus is usually not treated in gestational cases, which occur during pregnancy due to SIADH.

On this page
  • What is the Difference Between Diabetes Insipidus and SIADH?
  • Comparative Table: Diabetes Insipidus vs SIADH

    • Comparative Table: Diabetes Insipidus vs SIADH

    Here is a table comparing the differences between Diabetes Insipidus (DI) and Syndrome of Inappropriate Antidiuretic Hormone Secretion (SIADH):

    Feature Diabetes Insipidus SIADH
    Caused by Lack of antidiuretic hormone (ADH) in the body Excess of antidiuretic hormone (ADH) in the body
    Symptoms Increased urine output and dehydration Increased water retention and low sodium levels
    Treatment Regulating the normal level of ADH in the body Regulating the normal level of ADH in the body
    Complications Dehydration and hypernatremia (high sodium levels) if left untreated Retention of excess water, hypovolemia (low blood volume), and hyponatremia (low sodium levels) if left untreated
    Recurrence Easier to treat and manage than SIADH More challenging to treat and manage than DI
    Read more:

    Guilherme Mazui

    Guilherme Mazui is graduated in journalism from the Federal University of Minas Gerais (UFMG) and a master's degree in Communication from the University of São Paulo (USP). In addition, he has experience in advertising writing and has worked as a content editor in several companies.