Dr. Bharat Saboo

Diabulimia is a type of eating disorder in which patients of Type 1 diabetes intake less amount of insulin purposely, in order to lose weight. This disorder, however, is not a formal diagnosis. The disorder may be defined as disturbed eating behavior. 

Our body requires insulin for moving glucose from the blood to the cells. In type 1 diabetes patients, the pancreas stop producing insulin and glucose gets stored in our bloodstream. This causes extra stress on the kidney in getting rid of excess of sugar. The body gets devoid of glucose and the calories associated with it and a rapid loss in weight occurs. Patients develop binge eating,  with more emphasis on sugar and carbohydrate enriched foods. The excess sugar gets out of the body by urinating.

The symptoms of this disease are:

1. Occurrence of hyperglycemia
2. Developing a habit of eating more, but still experiencing weight loss
3. The shift in weight may be dramatic
4. The energy level is low
5. Eating patterns turn unusual
6. Binge eating
7. Developing an obsession for food
8. Enhanced awareness about body image
9. Feeling anxious about the weight
10. A delay occurs in sexual maturity or attaining puberty
11. Occurrence of stress
12. Hospitalization is required frequently for diabetic patients
13. Exercising amount increases
14. The patient tends to hide food
15. There is a smell of ketones from the breath and urine of the patient
16. Frequency of urination gets enhanced
17. Malnutrition occurs signalled by hair loss or drying of skin

Health hazards of Diabulimia

1. Diabulimia can cause a great amount of permanent effects on the body, irrespective of age.
2. Patients with diabulimia have a risk of getting early comorbidities.
3. Health issues similar to issues arising from diabetes are observed, but are more adverse in nature.
4. Dehydration happens along with excess urination.
5. The patient experiences fatigue and the level of concentration falls down.
6. An electrolyte disbalance is caused.
7. There may be risk of heart attack, stroke, retinopathy, neuropathy, gastroparesis.
8. Vascular disorders, gum infections and infertility in women may also occur.
9. In the most extreme cases, death occurs.

Prevention
It has been proven by research that almost 30% of type 1 diabetes patients are the ones who abstain from or avoid using insulin in order to lose weight. This habit leads to the risk of many other fatal diseases which may be permanent in nature. Dibulimia is more common among teenage girls who suffer from type 1 diabetes and are generally obsessed with body image. Diabulimia is an eating disorder which leaves a patient at risk of acquiring many other severe diseases. It is advised not to neglect your insulin.

Diabetes is something which has become so common over the past few decades and this is said to be a cause of worry as most people don't understand how to prevent and manage it. This has led to some myths, gaining more than their fair share of popularity.

So, wouldn’t it be a good idea to get to know a little more so as to separate the myths from the facts?

1. Weight & watch: One of the most common myths when it comes to diabetes is the belief that a person is going to have his or her life adversely affected if he or she is overweight. While it is true that being overweight happens to be one of the risk factors related to diabetes, it is important to keep in mind the fact that there are other risk factors which are responsible, as well. Some of these factors are age and family history, as well as the ethnicity of the person. Taking this into account, it should not come as too much of a surprise to know that there are quite a few people who are not overweight, but are still fighting diabetes.
2. Packaged tricks: Considering the rise in the number of people who are suffering from diabetes, this has led to food being marketed specifically for their consumption. However, in reality, whatever represents a healthy diet is sufficient for a person who is diabetic. So a diet which does not have a high amount of saturated fats and trans fats and does not go overboard with starch and sugar, but features a fair amount of lean protein works well too. All the fancy diabetic food, which a person buys, is only likely to drive a great hole in the wallet and not have any additional health benefits. Therefore, the extra spending is nowhere close to being worthwhile and should be avoided.
3. Fruits punch: Many people are of the opinion that it is the processed and sugary food items, which cause diabetes and this is true to a significant extent. However, some people are of the view that since fruit is natural, diabetics can eat as much of it as they like. This is where the thinking gets dangerous. Some fruits are rich in carbohydrates and so it should be consumed in a reasonable quantity, as part of the daily meal plan. After all, too much of any good thing is bad!

In case you have a concern or query you can always consult an expert & get answers to your questions!

Diabetes is a chronic condition where glucose level of your body rises too high. There are two types of diabetes type 1 and type 2. In case of type 1 diabetes, the body fails to produce insulin and people suffering from this condition have to depend on insulin injections for the rest of their life. In case of type 2 diabetes the body produces less amount of insulin which is not enough for the proper functioning of the body. This type of diabetes can be kept under control by following a healthy diet and practicing exercise regularly.

Why diabetic wounds can cause severe problems?
Diabetes can cause a number of complications that makes it harder for certain wounds to heal. These include:

1. Nerve damage: Until a cut or blister worsens and becomes inflamed, in case of neuropathy, you will not experience the pain. Diabetics often suffer from neuropathy, making it difficult for wounds to heal.
2. Weak immune system: A minor wound may even get severe and become infected if your immune system fails to exercise its natural defenses.
3. Narrow arteries: Blocked arteries may cause severe wounds which becomes difficult to heal. Clogged arteries make it difficult for the blood to flow to the affected area which slows the process of wound healing.

Treating a diabetic wound
You can follow the methods mentioned below to avoid getting infected:

1. Taking care of the wound immediately. If the wound is not cleaned and taken care of, letting bacteria to build up, it can lead to infection.
2. Avoid using soaps and hydrogen peroxide to irritate the injury. Use antibiotic lotions to prevent infection and use a sterile bandage to keep the affected area covered.
3. Consult your doctor before any minor problems turn to larger ones
4. Since the bottom of the foot is a common place for developing blisters and calluses in case of diabetic people, try to keep pressure off the wound as it slowly heals.

In case you have a concern or query you can always consult an expert & get answers to your questions!