Preparing for an appointment

You're likely to first see your primary care doctor. However, in some cases when you call to set up an appointment you may be referred to a specialist called an endocrinologist.

Here's some information to help you get ready for your appointment.

What you can do

• Be aware of any pre-appointment restrictions. At the time you make the appointment, be sure to ask if there's anything you need to do in advance. Your doctor may ask you to stop drinking water the night before but do so only if your doctor asks you to.
• Write down any symptoms you're experiencing, including any that may seem unrelated to the reason for which you scheduled the appointment. Be prepared to answer specific questions about how often you urinate and how much water you drink each day.
• Write down key personal information, including any major stresses or recent life changes.
• Make a list of your key medical information, including recent surgical procedures, the names of all medications you're taking and doses, and any other conditions for which you've recently been treated. Your doctor will also want to know about any recent injuries to your head.
• Take a family member or friend along, if possible. Sometimes it can be difficult to remember all the information provided to you during an appointment. Someone who accompanies you may remember something that you missed or forgot.
• Write down questions to ask your doctor.

For diabetes insipidus, some basic questions to ask your doctor include:

• What's the most likely cause of my symptoms?
• What kinds of tests do I need?
• Is my condition likely temporary or will I always have it?
• What treatments are available, and which do you recommend for me?
• How will you monitor whether my treatment is working?
• Will I need to make any changes to my diet or lifestyle?
• Will I still need to drink a lot of water if I'm taking medications?
• I have other health conditions. How can I best manage these conditions together?
• Are there any dietary restrictions I need to follow?
• Are there brochures or other printed material I can take home or websites you recommend?

What to expect from your doctor

Your doctor is likely to ask you several questions, including:

• When did you begin experiencing symptoms?
• How much more are you urinating than usual?
• How much water do you drink each day?
• Do you get up at night to urinate and drink water?
• Are you pregnant?
• Are you being treated, or have you recently been treated for other medical conditions?
• Have you had any recent head injuries, or have you had neurosurgery?
• Has anyone in your family been diagnosed with diabetes insipidus?
• Does anything seem to improve your symptoms?
• What, if anything, appears to worsen your symptoms?

What you can do in the meantime

While you're waiting for your appointment, drink until your thirst is relieved, as often as necessary. Avoid activities that might cause dehydration, such as physical exertion or spending time in the heat.