Changing the Name of Diabetes Insipidus: A Middle Eastern Perspective

Diabetes insipidus (DI) is a disorder characterized by excretion of large amounts of hypotonic urine. In clinical practice, the differential diagnosis comprises four entities.1 Aworking group representing national and international endocrinology, nephrology, and pediatric societies has recently proposed changing the name of “diabetes insipidus.” The group released an editorial simultaneously in several international journals.2–6 No representation of any of the developing regions was evident. However, since these proposals would most likely be accepted in clinical practice and scholarly communications worldwide, this commentary aims to increase global dissemination with a particular focus on the Middle East and North Africa (MENA) region since resistance to change has been demonstrated in the region.7 The working group reviewed the historical context, discussed the rationale for this proposed name change, and outlined the practical steps for implementing the name change. These are highlighted below with some MENA perspectives.2–6