The Case of Diabetes Insipidus

The Case of Diabetes Insipidus

Directions: Go to this website: http://www.sciencecases.org/diabetes_insipidus/diabetes_insipidus.asp

Complete these questions:

1. Describe the mechanism by which normal fluid regulation in the body occurs. The kidneys remove extra body fluids in the bloodstream, this waste is stored in the bladder. If the fluid regulation system is working right the kidneys will make less urine to save your body's fluids so you don't become dehydrated.

2. What is considered to be excessive thirst and urination in an adult? An adult who urinates more than 50mL/kg body weight per 2 hours and an adult who drinks more than 4 quarts (1 gallon) or approximately 12 glasses (144 oz) of beverages per day.

3. List and briefly describe the four types of diabetes insipidus.

Neurogenic DI- is caused by a deficiency of antidiuretic hormone

Nephrogenic DI- is caused by insensitivity of the kidneys to effect the antidiuretic hormone

Dispogenic DI- is caused by being really thirty and drinking way too much liquid of any kind.

Gestagenic DI- is only during pregnancy and it is causd by a deficiency of the antidiuretic 

4. How is pituitary diabetes insipidus diagnosed? It is diagnosed with a urinalysis, a fluid deprivation test and an MRI. The urinalysis should include the measurement of osmolality and specific gravity.

5. In what ways is diabetes insipidus similar to diabetes mellitus? In what ways do they differ? Diabetes mellitus differs from diabetes insipidus because diabetes mellitus results from the body not being able to produce insulin. They are similar because they have some of the same symptoms, for example excessive thirst and urination.

6. How does the mechanism by which diuresis occurs with diabetes insipidus differ from that which occurs in diabetes mellitus? Diabetes insipidus refers to the abnormal state of water diuresis, and diabetes mellitus refers to the abnormal state of osmotic...