In some cases, diabetes insipidus can cause complications, particularly if it is undiagnosed or poorly controlled.
Dehydration
If you have diabetes insipidus, your body finds it difficult to retain enough water, even if you drink fluid constantly. This can lead to dehydration, which is a severe lack of water in your body.
If you or someone you know has diabetes insipidus, it is important to look out for the signs and symptoms of dehydration, which may include:
- dry mouth and lips
- sunken features (particularly the eyes)
- headaches
- dizziness
- confusion and irritability
Dehydration can be treated by rebalancing the level of water in your body. If you are very dehydrated, it is better to drink a rehydration fluid rather than plain water, as this will replace lost minerals, salts and sugars as well as lost water.
If you are severely dehydrated, you may need treatment in hospital, where your fluids are replaced intravenously (through a drip into a vein).
Electrolyte imbalance
Diabetes insipidus can also cause an electrolyte imbalance. Electrolytes are minerals in your blood that have a tiny electric charge, such as sodium, calcium, potassium, chlorine, magnesium and bicarbonate. Along with antidiuretic hormone (ADH), electrolytes help maintain the balance of water in your body.
If you have diabetes insipidus, these electrolytes can become unbalanced and the amount of water in your body is affected. This can cause dehydration and disrupt other body functions, such as the way muscles work, which can lead to headache, fatigue, irritability and muscle pain.
An electrolyte imbalance can be treated in the same way as dehydration, with a rehydration fluid containing replacement electrolytes.
