Diuresis vs. Polyuria — What's the Difference?

Diuresis () is increased urination (polyuria) or, in the related word senses more often intended, the physiologic process that produces such an increase or the administration of medications to encourage that process. It involves extra urine production in the kidneys as part of the body's homeostatic maintenance of fluid balance.In healthy people, the drinking of extra water produces mild diuresis to maintain the body water balance.

Polyuria () is excessive or an abnormally large production or passage of urine (greater than 2.5 L or 3 L over 24 hours in adults). Increased production and passage of urine may also be termed diuresis.

Excessive discharge of urine.

Excessive passage of urine, as in diabetes.

Excessive production of urine; polyuria.

(pathology) The production of an abnormally large amount of urine; one symptom of diabetes

(more often) The physiologic process that produces such an increase.

A persistently excessive flow of watery urine, with low specific gravity and without the presence of either protein or sugar. It is generally accompanied with more or less thirst.

(most often) The administration of medications to encourage that process.

Renal disorder characterized by the production of large volumes of pale dilute urine; often associated with diabetes

Free excretion of urine.

Increased secretion of urine; if not due to increased liquid intake or to the action of a diuretic drug it can be a symptom of diabetes mellitus