What is Diabulimia?

I was recently connected with Natalie, a recovered diabulimic and Eating Disorder Recovery Coach, to learn more about eating disorders related to diabetes. You can find Natalie on Instagram @typebalanced_ where she posts frequently educating people on diabulimia, eating disorders, body image, recovery, and more. Below is all I learned from Natalie and resources to get help.

What is Diabulimia?

Diabulimia is an eating disorder that occurs in people with insulin-dependent diabetes where they stop taking or significantly reduce their insulin intake which results in weight loss. Unfortunately, it is quite common for diabetics to develop some form of disordered eating and/or an unhealthy relationship with food. Many factors may play a role in the development of an eating disorder and with diabetics, carb counting and higher awareness of food intake can be added layers.

Affects of Diabulimia

Diabulimia can cause a wide range of short-term and long-term issues. The short-term effects can include weight loss, thirst, fatigue, DKA, confusion, frequent thirst and urination. Long-term effects are more serious and can include indigestion, kidney damage, neuropathy, retinal damage, osteoporosis, and more. Diabulimia is very damaging to the body and although problems may not appear right away, they are likely to manifest later on.

With all of that being said, please remember that eating disorders are mental health disorders and the person experiencing the eating disorder does not think clearly about what is happening to their body. People with eating disorders need support, resources and/or therapy for recovery.

Resources

• Join Natalie’s free Facebook support group here

• Wearediabetes.org has resources for more information on diabulimia and services to receive help

• There may be an eating disorder recovery center in your area

• Listen to the podcast episode with Natalie here