What are the primary symptoms of diabetes insipidus?

The primary symptoms of diabetes insipidus include increased thirst and excessive urine production. This condition results from a deficiency of the hormone vasopressin, which regulates the body's ability to retain water. When there is insufficient vasopressin, the kidneys cannot concentrate urine effectively, leading to a significant increase in the volume of urine excreted.

As the body loses a large amount of water through urination, individuals often experience polydipsia, which is the intense thirst that develops as the body seeks to compensate for the fluid loss. This combination of symptoms—frequent urination (polyuria) and excessive thirst—are hallmark signs of diabetes insipidus.

The other options present symptoms associated with different medical conditions. Weight gain and excessive thirst may suggest other types of diabetes or metabolic issues. Frequent infections and fatigue could point toward conditions like diabetes mellitus or other underlying health concerns. Numbness and tingling in extremities are typically related to neurological conditions or issues with circulation and do not pertain to diabetes insipidus. Understanding these symptoms is vital for distinguishing diabetes insipidus from other disorders.