[Insert Date Here]

[Insert Your Name Here

[Insert Your Address Here]

Increasing Awareness of Diabetes Insipidus

Dear [Insert Name]

I am writing to you as a concerned patient with a pituitary gland disorder to try and raise awareness and understanding of a little known condition called Diabetes Insipidus, which is often confused with Diabetes Mellitus - it has nothing whatsoever to do with Diabetes Mellitus.

Diabetes Insipidus (DI) is a disorder in which the kidneys are unable to retain water,caused by the lack of a water-retaining hormone produced by the pituitary gland. This results in the production of large amounts of urine and in turn, greatly increased thirst. The condition requires medication to manage it effectively. Without such medication (DDAVP or Desmopressin) the condition will cause patients to become dangerously dehydrated and in extreme situations can become fatal.

Many medical professionals are not aware of the potential effects of missing medication for Diabetes Insipidus, especially health professionals working outside Endocrinology.Many patients require frequent and regular medication in order to keep them from serious and fast deterioration.

There is a great need to raise awareness of Diabetes Insipidus and I am supporting The Pituitary Foundation’s campaign to increase understanding of this condition.

We request that you ensure your hospital has a procedure in place between departments, so that when a patient with a rare endocrine condition such as Diabetes Insipidus is admitted, there is a protocol for communcation between departments and your Endocrinology team.

Enclosed with my letter I have also included key facts about Diabetes Insipidus which may be helpful for your staff. The Pituitary Foundation charity also has useful educational materials and resources available about Diabetes Insipidus (and other pituitary conditions) which your staff can access for free:

  • Diabetes Insipidus booklet – available free to download online via
  • Information Helpline 0845 450 0375 (Mon – Fri 10am – 4pm) or
  • You may want a representative from The Pituitary Foundation to give a talk to staff (contact )
  • The Pituitary Foundation can provide an article about Diabetes Insipidus e.g. for your internal newsletters etc.
  • General pituitary conditions and management publications and information via The Pituitary Foundation website.

Please act soon to ensure your staff are aware and understand the condition Diabetes Insipdus. Thank you very much for your time.[Insert here if you would like them to contact you with a response].

Yours sincerely

[Insert Your Name Here]