Diabulimia is a popular term used to describe a serious eating disorder that can occur in people with type 1 diabetes. In this disorder, the person intentionally reduces or stops taking the amount of insulin needed to control their blood sugar. , for weight loss.
As in type 1 diabetes, the body cannot produce any amount of insulin, when the person does not administer the necessary amount, several serious, life-threatening complications can occur.
- For example.
- People with type 1 diabetes who take less insulin should consult a psychologist to assess whether they have the condition to initiate the most appropriate treatment and avoid health complications.
Diabulimia is generally not easily identifiable, especially by others. However, the person himself may suspect that he or she has this disorder when he or she has the following characteristics:
In addition, because a person does not take insulin to lower blood sugar, signs of increased blood sugar may also occur, such as dry mouth, thirst, frequent fatigue, drowsiness and headaches.
One way to be careful with diabetes is to compare blood glucose readings from a previous period, and see if it is now easier to experience uncontrolled blood sugar levels. In general, people with type 1 diabetes, who use insulin correctly, can maintain a very well-controlled blood sugar level.
Diabulimia is a psychological disorder that develops from an irrational fear of a person with type 1 diabetes that constant insulin use can lead to weight gain.
Thus, the person starts by reducing the insulin dose units and may even end up skipping several doses during the day.
Since it is a psychological disorder, diabulimia should be discussed with a psychologist, first to confirm the diagnosis and then to begin the most appropriate treatment. However, other health professionals accustomed to diabetes, such as nutritionists or endocrinologists, should also be part of the treatment process.
The treatment plan usually begins with psychotherapy sessions to help the person have a more positive body image and demystify the relationship between insulin use and weight changes.
Depending on the degree of the disorder, it may still be necessary to have more regular control with the endocrinologist, as well as involve the whole family to help the person through this phase.
As an eating disorder, diabulimia is a very serious and life-threatening situation. The first complications of this disorder are directly related to the increase in blood sugar, which ultimately makes it difficult to heal wounds, facilitating the onset of infections and causing dehydration.
In the long term, even more serious complications can occur, such as
In addition, due to the lack of insulin in the blood, the body is unable to adequately absorb nutrients from the food consumed, eventually leaving it in a situation of malnutrition and hunger that, with other complications, can leave the person in a coma. and until it leads to death.