Osmotic Diuresis

Osmotic diuresis is a type of diuresis, or increased urine production, that is caused by the buildup of solutes in the blood. It is brought on by the presence of a solute that the body is unable to excrete, such as when a person ingests glucose or mannitol, or when the body produces too much of a particular solute, like urea. Osmotic diuresis is an important process because it helps to maintain a balance of water and electrolytes in the body. It is used clinically to aid in the treatment of metabolic diseases as well as to treat dehydration and drug overdoses.