Do You Have Diabulimia?
Diabulimia occurs when people with type 1 diabetes misuse insulin to lose weight. This is a dangerous practice associated with profound health risks. Instead of sharing a self-assessment test here, we encourage you to contact a medical professional if you suspect that you or a loved one are struggling with diabulimia.
Diabulimia (ED-DMT1) Can Be Life-Threatening
Given the serious health risks associated with diabulimia, it is crucial that, rather than attempt a self-assessment quiz, you immediately seek a professional clinical assessment.
If you have been diagnosed with Type I Diabetes and you manipulate your insulin in order to change or maintain your body size, we can help.
To speak confidentially with one of our Master's-level clinicians about your concerns, please call us at 877-825-8584 today.
The Definition of Diabulimia (ED-DMT1)
Diabulimia is not an official eating disorder diagnosis. Eating Recovery Center’s Dr. Ovidio Bermudez offers a clinical definition of diabulimia: “The dual diagnosis of an eating disorder and type 1 diabetes is often referred to as ‘diabulimia,’ although this is not a medically recognized term and it is not an accurate description.”
The best and most accurate definition of this condition is to call it Dual Diagnosis of Eating Disorder and Diabetes Mellitus Type 1 (ED-DMT1). However, many people still refer to this
Discover More Eating Disorder Screening Tests
There are many different types of eating disorders. All are associated with many serious health complications and risks. See additional eating disorder screening tests below.
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Is it Safe to Use Insulin for Weight Loss?
Some people with type 1 diabetes rely on insulin manipulation as an easy and effective weight loss method. While it is extremely dangerous to manipulate insulin, some people with type 1 diabetes intentionally misuse insulin as a weight-loss tool by:
Decreasing the prescribed dose of insulin
Omitting insulin entirely
Delaying the appropriate dose
Manipulating the insulin itself to render it inactive.
After one manipulates their insulin, sugar will be eliminated from the body via urination, instead of being stored as fat or used as fuel. The result? The individual loses weight, essentially “purging” themselves of calories.
The most concerning health complication that occurs with ED-DMT1 is an increased risk of death. Other health complications associated with ED-DMT1 are very serious, including nerve damage, retina damage, kidney and cardiac problems.
If the feelings or behaviors in our self-assessment test above describe you or a loved one, Eating Recovery Center can help. Please call us at 877-825-8584 to speak confidentially with one of our Masters-level clinicians. We can listen, explore treatment options, review insurance benefits and help you find a solution that is right for you.
