Eating Disorders - How To Manage Them In Case Of Diabetes?

Diabulimia is a type of eating disorder in which patients of Type 1 diabetes take less amount of insulin purposely, in order to lose weight. These patients have excessive concerns related to body weight and body shape, and a disturbed body image emerges (regarding oneself overweight despite a normal or reduced body weight). These patients attribute too much importance to body weight and body shape and fear of gaining weight. 

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. Kidney excretes excess glucose leading to increased urination. The body gets devoid of glucose and the calories associated with it and a rapid loss of weight occur.  Once the patient is started on insulin they develop weight gain. Patient with disturbed body image stops insulin in order to lose weight. Patients develop binge eating,  with more emphasis on sugar and carbohydrate enriched foods. The excess sugar gets out of the body by urinating.
Symptoms including excessive thirst, increased water intake, increased urination, and weakness are observed in the early period, irreversible findings including neuropathy, retinopathy, nephropathy, and osteoporosis, which occur in poorly controlled diabetics, are observed in the long term. 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.

Prevention

Diabulimia is more common among teenage girls who suffer from type 1 diabetes and are generally obsessed with body image. Proper patient education can help a lot in these patients.  It is advised not to neglect your insulin.