The goal of National Eating Disorder Awareness Week in the US is to put a spotlight on the seriousness of eating disorders and to improve public understanding of them. This year's theme is "I Had No Idea" so to that end, I offer the following observations:
I had no idea...
- Women with type 1 diabetes are 2.4 times more likely to develop an eating disorder than their non-diabetic peers.
- Multiple studies show that 30%-35% of women with type 1 diabetes will restrict or omit their insulin in order to lose weight.
- The intense focus on food, numbers, weight and exercise that comprise good diabetes management parallel the rigid thinking that is characteristic of an eating disorder.
- Diabetes related complications such as retinopathy, peripheral neuropathy and kidney disease are 3.5 times more likely in someone with type 1 diabetes and disordered eating, especially with insulin omission.
- Unexplained elevations in A1c and/or repeated episodes of diabetic ketoacidosis (DKA) may be an indicator of ED-DMT1 (eating disorder-diabetes mellitus type 1) commonly referred to as diabulimia.
- This is especially true when accompanied with concerns about body image or food related obsessions.
- Disordered behavior can be missed in a person restricting carbs or calories in order to avoid insulin as they will not have the telltale high A1c.
- ED-DMT1 represents some of the most complex illnesses to treat both medically and psychologically as the diabetes and eating disorder must be addressed as an intertwined condition rather than treated separately.
If someone is exhibiting signs or thoughts of struggling with an eating disorder, intervening during the early stages of development can significantly increase the likelihood of preventing the onset of a full-blown eating disorder. It can also lead to greater chances of a full recovery, prevent years of struggle and can even save lives.
To learn more about the recognition and treatment of ED-DMT1/diabulimia as well as to find resources and support, visit Diabulimia Helpline, Diabetics with Eating Disorders and We Are Diabetes. For more information on eating disorders or to find a local eating disorder awareness event, visit National Eating Disorder Awareness.
Join us on at 1pm Pacific time on February 24 for a live interview with Asha Brown, founder of We Are Diabetes.