Health Problems Associated with Diabetes Insipidus

Corresponding Author:

Horng-Ruey Chua Department of Intensive Care, Austin Hospital, Australia E-mail: chua.hr@austin.org.au

Abstract

Introduction

Diabetes insipidus is a fascinating condition in which the production of antidiuretic hormones is disrupted (ADH). ADH, also known as vasopressin, regulates how much water the kidneys excrete in the urine. The pituitary organ, which is located behind the extension of the nose, stores ADH. Patients with diabetes insipidus have high levels of pee that are weaker (clear) as a result of their inability to control the amount of water in their urine. The majority of cases of diabetes insipidus are caused by a lack of ADH or a failure of the kidneys to respond to ADH as predicted.

When the body is dehydrated or under circulatory strain, it produces more ADH. The increase in ADH tells the kidneys to hold on to more water rather than releasing it through pee. For example, if an individual without diabetes insipidus were in the desert with no access to water, the individual would produce more ADH chemical and retain water in the pee; but, an individual with diabetes insipidus would continue to pee the water and get dehydrated. It’s crucial to distinguish between diabetes insipidus and other conditions that cause an increase in urine production, such as diabetes mellitus (high glucose) and urinary tract contaminations.

Many people urinate one to two litres per day, however someone with diabetes insipidus may pee three litres or more per day. Patients commonly get up in the middle of the night to go to the bathroom. These individuals are at risk of dehydration because they are losing so much water in their pee. Patients with diabetes insipidus have an increased thirst and will frequently drink a large amount of water. If the patient does not have access to drinking water, he or she will be unable to compensate for the lack of water, and the synthetic compounds in the body will become “concentrated.” The person may have high levels of sodium in their blood (hypernatremia), which can cause confusion and other mental problems.

The most well-known structure is focal diabetic insipidus, which occurs when the cerebrum fails to release enough ADH. Damage to the pituitary organ or the nerve centre, a portion of the brain near the pituitary organ, can cause this. ADH and other substances are produced by the nerve centre, which also controls their transport. There are a variety of possible causes for this harm, including an acquired flaw for a quality, a medical operation, or an injury to the head, growths, and infections. Nephrogenic diabetes insipidus occurs when there is enough ADH but the kidneys do not respond adequately and are unable to store the water. A response to a drug, most commonly lithium, can cause this. A malformation in the qualities, a high level of calcium in the blood (hypercalcemia), or renal disease can all contribute to it.

Dipsogenic diabetic insipidus is caused by excessive liquid consumption and is unrelated to ADH. It occurs when the component that causes a person to feel parched is injured, causing the person to feel parched even when no fluids are required. It is usually caused by damage to the nerve centre or psychological instability. Pregnant women are affected by gestational diabetes insipidus. Proteins produced by the placenta, a transitory organ that provides nourishment to the hatchling, cause it. These proteins can hinder the kidneys’ ability to cope with ADH in some situations. In most cases, gestational diabetes insipidus goes away soon after the pregnancy is over.

Acknowledgement

None

Conflict of Interest

The author declares there is no conflict of interest.