A patient presents with excessive thirst, frequent urination, and fatigue. Laboratory tests reveal hypernatremia, hyperglycemia, and metabolic acidosis. Which endocrine disorder is most likely responsible for these symptoms?
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: The patient's presentation of excessive thirst, frequent urination, and fatigue align with the classic symptoms of diabetes mellitus. The laboratory findings of hypernatremia (high sodium levels), hyperglycemia (high blood sugar levels), and metabolic acidosis further support this diagnosis. In diabetes mellitus, the body is unable to properly regulate blood sugar levels due to either insufficient insulin production (Type 1 diabetes) or ineffective use of insulin by the cells (Type 2 diabetes). This leads to high blood sugar levels, causing symptoms such as polyuria (frequent urination), polydipsia (excessive thirst), and fatigue. The metabolic acidosis is a result of the body's breakdown of fats and proteins for energy due to the lack of glucose utilization in the cells.