1. What is the difference in diabetes insipidus and diabetes mellitus?
Two different types of hormones are involved: diabetes insipidus due to impaired production by the pituitary gland of a hormone called antidiuretic hormone and may occur as a consequence of histiocytosis. Diabetes mellitus, on the other hand, results from too much sugar in the blood, due to impaired insulin production by the pancreas. Although both disorders have similar symptoms of increased thirst and urination, in every other way including the cause and treatment, they are completely unrelated diseases.

2. What are the chances my child will develop diabetes insipidus?
DI occurs in as many as 25% of all patients and as many as 50% of patients with multisystem LCH.

3. Why is it important that the testing for DI be done in a clinic/hospital?
The water-deprivation test is a complicated procedure that requires highly trained medical professionals to perform specialized measurements. The body’s water balance must be carefully monitored during the procedure to prevent rapid and dangerous dehydration.

4. How is a water deprivation test done?
This test includes timed measurements (some done every hour and others done every other hour) of blood pressure, pulse, weight, urine, and blood. Fluid is withheld during testing. The test may take up to 8 hours to complete, but it may be stopped sooner, depending on lab results. Further information and instructions will be provided by your physician.

5. Can diabetes insipidus be reversed?
Once DI has been diagnosed, the chance of reversal is uncommon. However, it has been reported in some cases where treatment was started within a few days of symptom onset.

6. Can diabetes insipidus occur before the diagnosis of LCH?
DI can be the first presenting symptom, although one-half of these patients develop LCH lesions within 1 year after the onset of diabetes insipidus.

7. Can diabetes insipidus due to LCH occur when there is no known involvement anywhere else?
Yes. It is believed that this occurs in less than 10% of patients. The diagnosis is made from biopsy of the tumor in the pituitary stalk.

8. Can diabetes insipidus in LCH be prevented?
There is evidence that a rapid start of chemotherapy after onset of multisystem LCH may prevent DI.

Please be advised that all the information you read here is not a replacement for the advice you will get from your consultant and their team.

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