Diabetes insipidus is caused by a deficiency in the production or secretion of which hormone?

Diabetes insipidus is primarily attributed to a deficiency in the production or secretion of antidiuretic hormone (ADH), also known as vasopressin. This hormone is produced in the hypothalamus and released by the posterior pituitary gland. Its primary role is to regulate the body's water balance by promoting water reabsorption in the kidneys. When there is insufficient ADH, the kidneys do not reabsorb water effectively, leading to excessive urination (polyuria) and increased thirst (polydipsia). This condition produces a significant increase in urine output, resulting in dehydration and an inability to concentrate urine, which is characteristic of diabetes insipidus.

In contrast, insulin is primarily involved in glucose metabolism, glucagon works to increase blood glucose levels by promoting the release of glucose stored in the liver, and cortisol is involved in the body's stress response and metabolism. None of these hormones have a direct link to the regulation of water balance in the kidneys, distinguishing antidiuretic hormone as the critical hormone affected in diabetes insipidus.