Diabetes insipidus, or hypothalamic-pituitary diabetes insipidus, is a rare disease caused by a deficiency of vasopressin - a hormone responsible for the proper concentration of urine in the kidneys. Find out what the causes and symptoms of diabetes insipidus are and how it is treated.

Diabetes insipidus(Latindiabetes insipidus ) results from the deficiency or absence of vasopressin or the insensitivity of the renal tubules to this hormone, which causes the body to fail to regulate fluid levels. A he althy person expels from 1.5 to 2.5 liters of fluid a day, while a person suffering from diabetes insipidus even up to 15-20 liters, most at night.

The patient feels thirsty constantly, so he drinks sufficient amounts of water a day. When she begins to see a connection between the amount ingested and excreted, she tries to drink less. However, this restriction does not reduce the amount of urine you pass. It remains the same, and a person with diabetes insipidus who does not get enough water becomes dehydrated. It is a dangerous state, dangerous even to life.

Diabetes insipidus: symptoms

  • polyuria, i.e. passing a very large amount of diluted, colorless urine (up to 15-20 liters a day)
  • nocturia, i.e. frequent bedwetting (especially in children)
  • polydypsia or hard to satisfy desire
  • fatigue resulting from insufficient night rest (thirst and the need to urinate awaken the patient several times a night)
  • dry hands
  • constipation
  • disturbance of consciousness due to dehydration

Diabetic insipidus: causes, types

The causes of diabetes insipidus are not fully explained. It is known, however, that vasopressin, the antidiuretic hormone (ADH), is responsible for the management of fluids in the body. This hormone is secreted by the hypothalamus and it accumulates in the pituitary gland and controls kidney function. When there is a lot of water in the body, the kidneys excrete it in the urine; when the body is deficient, it is retained in the kidney tubules and the urine becomes concentrated. However, if the hormone is absent or does not cause the desired body reaction, the water balance is disturbed, which results in excessive fluid excretion. Depending on whichthe complicated process fails, doctors distinguish different forms of diabetes insipidus.

  • Ductile central insipidusIt is caused by damage to the pituitary gland or the hypothalamus. The defect disrupts the production, accumulation and secretion of vasopressin. The primary causes of these injuries may be: - surgical procedures within the skull - inflammation (e.g. meningitis) - brain tumors - head injuries

It is estimated that 1 in 25,000 people suffer from diabetes insipidus, and hereditary central diabetes insipidus has been reported in fewer than 100 people worldwide.

Pituitary or hypothalamic dysfunction can also be congenital - inherited as autosomal dominant or autosomal recessive.

  • Nephrogenic diabetes insipidus- is the result of improper functioning of the renal tubules, which do not respond properly to the presence of vasopressin. The hormone is secreted but does not cause the desired reaction. This defect may be: - congenital (usually manifested in infancy) - may result from chronic kidney disease - may result from taking certain medications

Gestational diabetes mellitus- is a condition that occurs only in pregnant women. The enzyme produced by the placenta destroys the vasopressin in the mother's body, so fluid balance is disturbed. This type of diabetes insipidus usually resolves after delivery.

Diarrhea treatment

Congenital forms of the disease are incurable. The basis in the treatment of the acquired varieties is to take a sufficient amount of fluids and diagnose, prevent complications and eliminate the underlying disease, which is the cause of improper water management.

Direct treatment of diabetes insipidus involves the administration of synthetic vasopresin or its pharmacological substitute. While diabetes insipidus caused by trauma may resolve within a year, in most other cases the therapy is long-term, often taking hormones must be continued for the rest of your life.

However, provided with care and taking the hormone regularly, the patient is able to function normally, limit urination so that it is not an obstacle to normal life.

Important

Untreated diabetes insipidus leads to confusion and coma due to dehydration.

Category:

Urology and Nephrology