Diabetes Patients Prone to Development of Eating Disorders: Examination of the Connection
In a confusing twist, not taking insulin for weight loss purposes, a behavior known as diabulimia, can seem appealing but quickly turns dangerous. Kyra Pugh, diagnosed with type I diabetes at 11, found herself in this very situation after she started limiting her carbs and lessening her insulin intake. At first, this strategy worked wonders - until it didn't.
weight loss turned into weight gain, her workouts became too exhausting, and everyday tasks left her gasping for breath. Diabulimia is an unofficial term - a media-coined moniker for a type of eating disorder that's clearly become prevalent among women with diabetes, with up to 40% of young women reportedly skipping their insulin doses at times.
Judy Simon, an R.D. at the University of Washington Medical Center-Roosevelt, describes the situation eloquently: "When someone relies on insulin to maintain their body's functioning properly and they don't take the insulin they need, it's hazardous."
To put things into perspective, eating disorders have a higher mortality rate than many other mental illnesses, and they're twice as common in people with type I diabetes compared to the general population. Disturbingly, diabetics who restrict insulin are three times more likely to pass away compared to their peers.
Much like other eating disorders, diabulimia isn't just about physical or mental issues; it's a complex conundrum that blurs the line between both. Many diabetes care providers might not possess the expertise or resources to handle the mental health aspect of this condition, while many mental health providers lack the understanding necessary to manage diabetes care.
For Pugh, type I management felt like a never-ending job, revolving around food restrictions, insulin injections, and balancing blood sugar levels. Staying active was crucial for her, even from hour to hour, while her emotions and stress levels could impact her blood sugar drastically.
Type I diabetes isn't a consequence of an unhealthy lifestyle; instead, it's an autoimmune disorder that eliminates insulin production in the body, leading to the inability to convert glucose into energy. People with type I must inject themselves with insulin multiple times a day, every day, to enable the conversion process and prevent sugar from building up in their blood.
Struggling with body image and weight was all too real for Pugh, leading her to double down on her low-carb diet and skip insulin injections. Simon, her eventual therapist, attributes these disordered eating behaviors to the individuals' attempts to regain control over their bodies.
Pugh's journey toward recovery was far from straightforward. She had to quit her job, struggled with diets, and ultimately found relief in medication, a dietitian's guidance, and a newfound appreciation for carbs.
Luckily, outpatient care can be effective for many. However, some individuals might require 24-hour care, which includes regular blood sugar checks, insulin injections controlled by healthcare professionals, and therapy to address disordered eating patterns and body image concerns.
Speaking candidly about her experiences, Pugh hopes that her story will raise awareness about this often unspoken condition, ultimately fostering understanding and encouraging those dealing with diabulimia to seek help.
Diabulimia, a type of eating disorder prevalent among women with diabetes, can have dangerous consequences, such as weight gain, exhaustion from workouts, and difficulty performing everyday tasks. Diabulimia is a complex issue that affects both physical and mental health, with diabetes care providers and mental health providers often lacking the necessary expertise and resources to address it effectively. Pugh's journey with type I diabetes involved managing her diet, insulin injections, and emotional stress, but her disordered eating behaviors were rooted in an attempt to regain control over her body. Recovery from diabulimia was challenging for Pugh, requiring changes in medication, diet, and seeking help from a therapist. Outpatient care can be effective for many, but some may require 24-hour care for regular blood sugar checks, insulin injections, and therapy. Pugh hopes her story will raise awareness about this often unspoken condition and encourage those dealing with it to seek help.
