There are 4 different diabetes insipidus types. Each one has a different cause and can affect the body in its own unique way.

Central diabetes insipidus also known as Neurogenic DI, hypothalamic, pituitary or neurohypophyseal is caused by a deficiency of the antidiuretic hormone, vasopressin or damage to the hypothalamus or pituitary gland as a result of:

- Head injury
- Infection
- Surgery
- Tumor

The most common form of serious DI, central DI, results from damage to the pituitary gland, which disrupts the normal storage and release of ADH.

Nephrogenic DI also known as vasopressin-resistant involves a defect or an insensitivity in the parts of the kidneys that reabsorb water back into the bloodstream. It occurs less often than central DI. Nephrogenic DI may occur as an inherited disorder in which male children receive the abnormal gene that causes the disease from their mothers.

Nephrogenic DI may also be caused by:

- Certain drugs (such as lithium, amphotericin B, and demeclocycline)

- High levels of calcium in the body (hypercalcemia)

- Chronic disorders (such as polycystic kidney disease, sickle cell disease, kidney failure, partial blockage of the ureters and inherited genetic disorders.)

- Sometimes the cause is never discovered

Dipsogenic DI is a form of primary polydipsia caused by a defect in or damage to the thirst mechanism, which is located in the hypothalamus. The result of it is an abnormal increase in thirst and fluid intake that suppresses the antidiuretic hormone (ADH) secretion and increases urine output.

Gestagenic DI also known as gestational occurs only during pregnancy. It is happens when an enzyme made by the placenta destroys ADH in the mother. The placenta is like a system in the mother where the blood vessels and other tissue develop into the fetus. The placenta allows the nutrients and waste products to be exchanged between the mother and fetus.

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