MedlinePlus, a service of the U.S. National Library of Medicine, describes diabetes insipidus as rare disease in which the kidneys do not properly reabsorb fluids into the body. The resulting signs and symptoms include a frequent need to urinate and excessive thirst. Diabetes insipidus may be caused by a damaged pituitary hormone, too little of the hormone vasopressin, or kidneys that are unresponsive to vasopressin. In addition, diabetes insipidus may cause several complications.
Dehydration
Dehydration is a serious complication of diabetes insipidus, according to MedlinePlus and the Mayo Clinic. The lack of vasopressin secreted by the hypothalamus or defective kidneys results in the lack of fluid retention by the kidneys. Thus, the kidneys excrete a higher volume of urine than normal, which can result in the body becoming dehydrated. The signs and symptoms of dehydration include dry mouth and skin; fever and/or headache; a rapid heart beat; sunken soft spots, called fontanelles, in infants; sunken eyes; and weight loss without trying.
Electrolyte Imbalance
MedlinePlus and the Mayo Clinic also state that another possibly serious complication of diabetes insipidus is an electrolyte imbalance. Electrolytes are minerals normally present in bodily fluids, including blood, that are electrically charged. Elecrolyters are needed for cells to function properly, and for the maintenance of normal blood pressure and acidity. Thus an electrolyte imbalance may cause lethargy and fatigue; irritability; headaches; low blood pressure; and muscle pain and/or weakness.
Hypovolemia
According to Merck Manuals, hypovolemia is also a severe complication of diabetes insipidus. When the volume of blood circulating throughout the body dips lower than normal, a person is said to have hypovolemia. The extreme lack of fluids caused by the kidneys not retaining a sufficient amount of fluids can result in lower than normal blood volume. In extreme cases, hypovolemic shock may occur, which means that there is not enough blood for the heart to adequately deliver oxygen and nutrients to the entire body.
