We are supporting The Pituitary Foundation’s campaign to change the name of diabetes insipidus to ‘pituitary insipidus - desmopressin dependent’ (PIDD).

The term ‘diabetes insipidus’ is very often mistaken for diabetes mellitus by health care professionals (HCPs) and the general public. Although both conditions share the term ‘diabetes’, they are completely unrelated and mean very different things.

The challenge for diabetes insipidus patients is when they need hospital attention (A&E, surgery, or on a hospital ward). Many HCPs are unaware of DI and assume the patient has diabetes mellitus. The consequences include inappropriate treatment being administered, which has resulted in fatalities.

There seems to be little recognition that DI patients require desmopressin to avoid dehydration, or any fluid management (charts completed, catheter bags if needed, or sodium testing).

The name change will prompt HCPs of exactly what the condition is, to understand it quickly so that patients are treated properly and safely.

There is no need to die. Sign the petition to show your support.