Diabulimia

[hugforme]

Hi everyone! I'm a graduate student in clinical health psychology (and fellow type 1 diabetic) and I"m writing my dissertation about "diabulimia" which is a new phenomenon where people with diabetes will intentionally under-dose (or omit) their insulin to help lose weight. I'm still designing my research study and I was wondering if anyone had input about the kinds of questions I should be asking. As parents, friends, and loved ones of those who have diabetes, what would you be interested in learning in regards to this phenomenon. Thanks so much!

[Ellen]

It's nice you're pursuing this very important topic. Know, however, this is not a new phenomenon. I recall nearly 20 years ago sitting in a diabetes support group when a teen in the group talked about how she learned at diabetes camp, some years back ,she can lose weight by omitting insulin.

It would be interesting to know what comments were made by family/friends that may have triggered the onset of the diabulimia as well as the triggers that reinforce the behavior. Did the patient have an eating disorder prior to diagnosis? Does anyone else in the family have an eating disorder? What symptoms can parents and loved ones look for determine whether or not their child/loved one is intentionally omitting insulin for weight loss? Is the patient purging in any other way besides omitting insulin?

Those are just a few questions.

p.s. If you're interested, I found the following while doing a potential lit review on the subject and can send it to you in pdf (it's 156 pages)

Female Type 1 Diabetics with Eating Disorders: Purging by Insulin Withholding
by Maureen B. Riley

A thesis submitted to the faculty of the college of nursing in partial fulfillment of the requirements for the degree of
Master of Science in Nursing

Florida Atlantic University
Boca Raton Florida
1997

UMI number 1385848

[Ali]

if you were/are a teen when diagnosed you automatically know that not enough insulin means weight loss. You lose weight prior to being diagnosed. Almost forty years ago I was diagnosed (as a teen) and I had lost ten or so pounds for no reason before being diagnosed. I had noted my weight loss to family-I was thin already and not trying or not trying to lose weight-just remember thinking it was odd. Everyone just thought it was being a teenager and growing. However, after being diagnosed I remember quickly thinking-Wow if I wanted to lose weight what an easy way! I did not and never have had a weight problem but anyone diagnosed would/will quickly figure it out. I was lucky in that eating was not an issue and my understanding of my health to my BS numbers was clear and real to me so I luckily never neglected my care either by ignoring my care, overeating, or using it to manipulate my weight over the years. I have been lucky in that i was naturally a thin person and one who was able to learn how for the most part to turn of my desire for food. When I was first diagnosed the only way to control the bulk of my care was via the food and I learned early to ignore my desire to either eat or not eat based on my insulin and BS routine/levels. I am not always successful but do manage to limit my splurges or times of not paying attention. Ali

[hugforme]

thanks so much guys! i appreciate all the help!