Urine Specific Gravity And Diabetes Insipidus [2022]

Urine Specific Gravity And Diabetes Insipidus? When a diabetic patient has polyuria and polydipsia, the first thing to look for is a problem with glycemic control. Maintaining glycemic control is the initial line of defense; nevertheless, the urine specific gravity should not be overlooked since it might suggest diabetes insipidus.

In this article we will tell you why urine, gravity, and diabetes insipidus are related in a single topic that has to do mainly with diabetes. Continue reading to learn more about it and become well-informed.

Diabetes insipidus

Diabetes insipidus is a condition in which individuals have polyuria and polydipsia due to a total or partial lack of antidiuretic hormone or unresponsiveness to this hormone. Diabetes mellitus and diabetes insipidus should both be considered in the differential diagnosis when a patient comes with polyuria and polydipsia. Except for the well-defined genetic condition known as the DIDMOAD syndrome, which includes diabetes insipidus (DI), type 1 diabetes mellitus (DM), optic atrophy (OA), and deafness (D),1 the coexistence of diabetes insipidus and diabetes mellitus, either type 1 or 2, has never been described.

The conjunction of diabetes insipidus with type 2 diabetes mellitus was characterized as an uncommon phenomenon in one unique occurrence. 2 This instance highlights the necessity of correctly evaluating urine specific gravity in polycystic kidney disease patients.

Urine Specific Gravity And Diabetes Insipidus

When a diabetic patient has polyuria and polydipsia, the first thing to look for is a problem with glycemic control. Maintaining glycemic control is the initial line of defense; nevertheless, the urine specific gravity should not be overlooked since it might suggest diabetes insipidus.

Discordance between urine specific gravity and osmolality occurs under a few circumstances. These include radiocontrast media, mannitol, or high-dose carbenicillin, as well as uremia and poorly managed diabetes mellitus, the latter of which causes glucosuria.  It’s worth noting that, even under these circumstances, urine osmolality remains constant but pee specific gravity rises.

More

In theory, all glucose contained in the plasma passes through the glomerulus and is subsequently absorbed by the tubular transport system at a maximum rate of 1.7 mmol/min (320 mg/min) in a patient with no major renal problem.

However, since not all nephrons have the same capacity, maximal absorption is never attained. Second, numerous nephrons may release glucose even if they are not operating at full capacity. As a consequence, the threshold level found in clinical practice is 1.1 to 1.2 mmol/min (200 to 220 mg/min). 

The urine specific gravity

The urine specific gravity rises by 0.001 for every 35 to 40 mmol/kg increase in urine osmolality; accordingly, the urine specific gravity increases by 0.004 for every 0.05 mmol (10 mg) glucose/liter increase in blood glucose.  As a consequence of the above-mentioned glucose loss in the urine, the urine specific gravity in uncontrolled diabetes individuals may reach 1.045 to 1.050. 

In a patient with poor glycemic control, for example, higher blood glucose levels should result in a higher urine specific gravity. Second, when diabetes insipidus develops in a diabetic patient who is poorly managed, the urine specific gravity may not be as low as in diabetes insipidus. As a result, urine specific gravity in diabetes patients should be carefully assessed, particularly in poorly regulated conditions, since it might be low, low normal, or normal depending on the degree of glucosuria.

Frequently Asked Questions

Final part

According to Paulose and Padmakumar2, the combination of type 2 diabetes mellitus with diabetes insipidus is a rare occurrence. Diabetes insipidus affects one in every 6,666 persons (0.01 percent), whereas type 2 diabetes affects one in every 340 people, according to census statistics from the United States (0.29 percent ). According to these estimations, over 100 people in the United States might be sick with both diseases.

In conclusion, the urine specific gravity of a poorly treated diabetes patient should show a slight to moderate rise. A diagnosis of diabetes insipidus should be explored when a patient with diabetes mellitus has worsening polyuria and a low or low normal urine specific gravity. In a diabetic patient with deteriorating polyuria, a regular urinalysis with specific gravity is a straightforward and affordable test that should not be neglected.

Conclusion

Urine Specific Gravity And Diabetes Insipidus? You have learned everything important about this interesting topic and we hope that you liked it enough so that you can share it with your family and friends. Always remember to pay attention to the recommendations that we will leave you below.

Consult your physician about urine-specific gravity. Consider speaking with a dietician if you want additional information or a tailored food plan. Before you start making drastic changes to your food habits, talk to your doctor. Thank you for reading us!