What is the primary treatment for Diabetes Insipidus?

Desmopressin acetate is the primary treatment for diabetes insipidus, as it effectively addresses the underlying deficiency of antidiuretic hormone (ADH). This condition leads to excessive urination and thirst due to the kidneys' inability to concentrate urine. Desmopressin, which is a synthetic analog of vasopressin (ADH), helps to increase water reabsorption in the kidneys, thereby reducing urine output and alleviating the symptoms associated with diabetes insipidus.

In patients with central diabetes insipidus, where there is insufficient production of ADH from the posterior pituitary, desmopressin substitutes this hormone. The medication is generally administered intranasally or subcutaneously, and its effect can be assessed through changes in urine output and concentration.

While other treatments like insulin or furosemide may be associated with managing different conditions or complications of diabetes and fluid balance, they are not effective in treating diabetes insipidus itself. Hypertonic saline is utilized for specific scenarios, such as treating hyponatremia, but does not address the deficiency of ADH that characterizes diabetes insipidus. Thus, desmopressin remains the cornerstone therapy for this condition.