What is Diabulimia?

The relationship to Diabetes

Diabetics give themselves insulin. With this eating disorder, the person will intentionally restrict the insulin they need. The result is the body goes into a state of starvation. Once in starvation mode, any sugar that the person eats (and sugar is in most foods - just not necessarily in its raw form) doesn't get used properly. Sugar is what gives us energy. Any excess amounts that aren't needed for energy are stored as fat for later use.

Using insulin for rapid weight loss

With insulin restriction, the sugar that comes into the body is immediately passed out in the urine. The sugar isn't stored as fat, nor is it used for energy. This leads to rapid weight loss.

There are significant health risks associated with insulin deprivation. You can and should read about those in the effects of eating disorders - medical section.

Associated diagnoses

Typically someone who becomes a diabulimic has already been diagnosed with bulimia nervosa or hasanorexia symptoms. Controlling the insulin injections is simply a new way to control and lose weight. In the diabetic community, disordered eating behavior and disturbed eating behavior are widely recognized and have been for years. Putting the label on this behavior is simply a way to categorize the intentional manipulation of insulin for weight loss.

Go from Diabulimia back to Types of Eating Disorders

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