The eating disorders symptoms for diabulimia are similar to anorexia symptoms and bulimia signs. Diabulimia is when someone with Type 1 Diabetes manipulates their insulin in order to lose weight. It is a dangerous practice (not like all the eating disorders aren't dangerous of course!) because the diabetic can go into a coma. This can very easily result in death.
The symptoms of diabulimia are similar to the other eating disorders with components of secrecy, control, low self esteem, distorted body image and more.
Symptoms of Diabulimia - How can you tell if someone is using insulin to lose weight?
Lost a lot of weight in a short amount of time
Recently gained weight and is incredibly uncomfortable with the weight gain
Eats the same, but is still losing weight
Has made significant changes in their diet
Thinks she's fat even though people tell her otherwise
Is obsessed with being thin and/or with thin people
Goes to the bathroom a lot (to urinate)
Spends a long time in the bathroom after eating (to purge)
Is more thirsty than normal
Blood sugar levels are always high
Hoards or hides food in odd places
Does not want people monitoring insulin intake and does not like to give injections in front of others (if not on the pump)
Is often tired, shaky and may even faint
Is irritable and has mood swings
Lack of clarity in thought - may be irrational
Is often confused
Refuses to go to the doctor
Is obsessed with being perfect
Diabetic Acidosis or Diabetic Ketoacidosis - when the body burns fat instead of sugar for fuel, releasing toxins into the blood stream; eventually, if untreated, you can die from this
