Many studies indicate that that adolescent and teenage girls with Type 1 diabetes struggle with eating disorders of all types significantly more than do girls without diabetes, and have, on average, a higher BMI. Of diabetics who struggle with anorexia, bulimia or binge eating disorder, many also intentionally misuse insulin as a means to control weight (e.g. have diabulimia).
Suspension of insulin, combined with overeating and resulting in ketoacidosis, may be a call for psychological help or an attempt to escape unpleasant or undesirable environments. Less frequently, diabulimia may be a manifestation of suicidal intent. Multiple hospitalizations for ketoacidosis or hyperglycemia are cues to screen for an underlying emotional disorder. Dealing with the feelings brought on by the restrictive regime of diabetes 1 treatment can be overwhelming. In addition, patients may experience anxiety over the possibility of complications developing from diabetes and possible decreased life span.
Diabulimia Helpline is a non-profit organization dedicated to education, support, and advocacy for patients with diabetesand eating disorders. They offer a 24 hour hotline, a referral service to help people find a doctor, therapist or treatment center with the right experience, an insurance specialist, online support groups, professional resources and a doctor's education program. Diabetes and eating disorders are in themselves complex, dangerous diseases; when the conditions are co-occuring the results are devastating. For more information check out the website,
diabulimiahelpline.org, or you can reach them at
425-985-3635 or
info@diabulimiahelpline.org.
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