Diabetes Insipidus is primarily caused by a deficiency in which hormone?

Diabetes Insipidus is primarily due to a deficiency in Antidiuretic Hormone (ADH), also known as vasopressin. ADH is produced in the hypothalamus and released by the posterior pituitary gland. Its primary role is to regulate water balance in the body by promoting water reabsorption in the kidneys. When ADH levels are low or when the kidneys do not respond appropriately to ADH, the body is unable to concentrate urine effectively. This results in excessive urination (polyuria) and increased thirst (polydipsia), which are hallmark symptoms of Diabetes Insipidus.

In various forms of Diabetes Insipidus, such as central DI, the problem arises from inadequate production of ADH, whereas nephrogenic DI is characterized by the kidneys' inability to respond to ADH due to receptor or aquaporin channel issues. However, both forms highlight the critical role ADH plays in maintaining fluid balance in the body. Understanding this relationship helps clarify why ADH deficiency is central to the pathophysiology of Diabetes Insipidus.