Central diabetes insipidus

Definition

Central diabetes insipidus is a condition characterized by insufficient production of antidiuretic hormone (ADH) by the hypothalamus. This leads to excessive urination and thirst due to impaired water reabsorption in the kidneys.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. Central diabetes insipidus results from damage to the hypothalamus or pituitary gland, often due to surgery, injury, or disease.
2. Symptoms include extreme thirst (polydipsia) and excretion of large amounts of dilute urine (polyuria).
3. Diagnosis typically involves water deprivation tests and measuring ADH levels in the blood.
4. Treatment usually includes desmopressin, a synthetic form of ADH, which helps reduce urine output.
5. Nutritional management may involve maintaining adequate hydration and monitoring electrolyte balance.

Review Questions

• What are the primary symptoms of central diabetes insipidus?
• How is central diabetes insipidus diagnosed?
• What role does desmopressin play in treating central diabetes insipidus?

Related terms

Antidiuretic Hormone (ADH): A hormone produced by the hypothalamus that regulates water balance by controlling the amount of water reabsorbed by the kidneys.

Nephrogenic Diabetes Insipidus: A condition where the kidneys do not respond properly to ADH, leading to similar symptoms as central diabetes insipidus.

Polyuria: The production of abnormally large volumes of dilute urine, commonly associated with diabetes insipidus.