I have diabetes insipidus and I have heard rumors that you can't drink alcohol with DI and honestly I want to be able to drink. Can anyone fill me in with some info on this?
Can I drink alcohol with diabetes insipidus?
Question posted by Scotdog01 on 31 Dec 2015
Last updated on 9 May 2020
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9 Answers
MBrady09
9 Oct 2019
I would assume that because alcohol is a diuretic and alcohol causes dehydration that alcohol would only make the condition that much worse. I take several medications which cause dry mouth and I urinate frequently... when I drink... things get much worse.
JenJen C
4 May 2019
I’ve been dealing with DI for about 15 years. In my case, my whole pituitary gland had to be removed. Initially, I was doing great. I came back to work 4 weeks after brain surgery (Not advised by my docs but work was another story). I was in my early 30s and we worked hard and played harder. Never had an issue. Drank fairly often for about 5 years after. Fast forward about 7 years and suddenly I was ending up in the hospital due to hypoosmolality . About 4 x a year I was in ICU within an inch of my life . I’m 46 now and the last 4 times I met up with friends, I drank an average of 3 drinks. Within hours I’d develop a migraine that made me wish I’d die, I’d vomit uncontrollably and then I’d be out of commission for days. Not a good look at any age but especially mine. I wanted so badly to believe it’s just a bad hangover but I’ve now come to terms that I just can’t drink socially anymore. It feels too dangerous.
As women, we change as we get older and our hormones and all that evolve and behave differently for a number of factors and mine has evolved to this. So yes, at first, I could party like a rock star (still can but just sober
Iowact
6 March 2019
Be cautious... I have had DI for over 30 years. I drink but, only in very small amounts. The real problem is putting too much liquid into your body and it can cause hyponatremia. Also, alcohol can interact with certain meds.
Iowact
4 May 2019
Also, you should consult with your endocrinologist. See my above comment. As I said I have Diabetes Insipidus and have learned to question everything. Hope this helps.
Stone98
2 March 2019
I realize it's a bit late but I drink with DI, probably your best bet is talking to your doctor if you haven't already
Richardcwalsh
7 April 2018
Hi Scotdog
I have been diagnosed with cranial DI, how are you getting on with drinking alcohol. I have the same question as you had back in 2015 but can find much support on the internet about it.
jgsheff
15 April 2017
Hello, in response to drinking alcohol with DI i say be very careful. I've had DI for about 1 year now and my Doctors didnt give me any advice on drinking alcohol. I am 21 and a college student so i drank a few ties per week. I found that drinking with DI can be dangerous because desmopressin will lower sodium levels and electrolytes, and so will alcohol. I was hospitalized with hyponatremia that i believe was caused by drinking alcohol regularly.
Keithmc78
29 March 2016
Hi Scot,
I hope this message isn't too late to reach you. But my name's Keith, at the age of thirteen I was diagnosed with diabetes insipidus due to a brain tumour. I'm now thrifty seven, married with three children.
I take four puffs of desmopressin twice a day. I wasn't told much about DI at the time. But I drink achohol socially, sometimes on a weekly basis. I can honestly say I haven't had any problems. But as they say keep things in moderation.
I hope this helps, I would also say try not to let DI run your life.
All the best.
Delila
2 Jan 2016
Hi, please, please be careful. I have lost a dear friend due to drinking alcohol while being diabetic. It was devastating. A quote that sums up the answer to your question is as follows: "While moderate amounts of alcohol can cause blood sugar to rise, excess alcohol can actually decrease your blood sugar level -- sometimes causing it to drop into dangerous levels".
So you must take extra care if you decide that you are going to have a drink, and keep a close check on your blood sugar levels...
Scotdog01
7 Feb 2016
I appreciate your response but my disease, diabetes insipidus, is completely unrelated to any kind of sugar diabetes. Mine deals with the anti-diuretic hormone in my pituitary gland and does not affect my blood sugar or insulin at all. Again, thanks for your response.
Destiny D
9 May 2020
Can short term alcohol use have an effect two days later? I don’t drink very often but I drank two days ago. I know I Peed a little bit more than usual that day but not that much but today my symptoms are a bit worse.
yodge93
1 Jan 2016
Hello Scotdog01. I think 'moderation' is the word here! I am on Insulin and Diabetic tablets - so the most I drink is 3 glasses of Red Wine at any one time. Happy New Year To You. Regards, William.
Scotdog01
7 Feb 2016
I appreciate your response but my disease, diabetes insipidus, is completely unrelated to any kind of sugar diabetes. Mine deals with the anti-diuretic hormone in my pituitary gland and does not affect my blood sugar or insulin at all. Again, thanks for your response.
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diabetes insipidus, diabetes, type 2, alcohol
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