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 fluid so you don’t become dehydrated.

2. What is considered to be excessive thirst and urination in an adult?

For and adult who has excessive urination he/she urinates more than 50ml/kg body weight per 2 hours and adult who drinks more than 1 gallon or 144oz of beverages per day.

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

• Central DI: Most common form of serious DI, results from damage to the pituitary gland, which disrupts the normal storage and release of ADH

• Nephrogenic DI: Results when the kidneys are unable to respond to ADH

• Dipsogenic DI: Caused by a defect in or damage to the first to the thirst, this defect results in an abnormal increase in thirst and fluid intake that suppresses ADH secretion and increases urine output.

• Gestational DI: Occurs only during pregnancy and results when an enzyme made by the placenta destroys ADH in the mother.

4. How is pituitary diabetes insipidus diagnosed?

With a fluid deprivation test and an MRI

5. In what ways is diabetes insipidus similar to diabetes mellitus? In what ways do they differ?

They are similar because they have some of the same symptoms. The difference is the diabetes mellitus results from the body not being able to produce insulin.

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 diereses, and diabetes mellitus refers to the abnormal state of osmotic...