diabetes in·sip·i·dus -in-'sip-əd-əs n a disorder that is caused by insufficient secretion of vasopressin by the pituitary gland or by a failure of the kidneys to respond to circulating vasopressin and that is characterized by intense thirst and by the excretion of large amounts of urine see central diabetes insipidus, nephrogenic diabetes insipidus
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a rare metabolic disorder in which the patient produces large quantities of dilute urine and is constantly thirsty. It is due to deficiency of the pituitary hormone vasopressin (antidiuretic hormone), which regulates reabsorption of water in the kidneys, and is treated by administration of the hormone. See also water-deprivation test.
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any of several types of polyuria in which the volume of urine exceeds 3 liters per day, causing dehydration and great thirst, as well as sometimes emaciation and great hunger. The underlying cause may be hormonal (central d. insipidus) or renal (nephrogenic d. insipidus).Medical dictionary. 2011.