Eating disorders - diabetes health risks

Uncovering the Link Between Diabetes and Eating Disorders
 

Studies suggest that a link might exist between type I (insulin-dependent) diabetes and eating disorders. In fact, eating disorders may be more common in patients with type I diabetes than the general public.

A study conducted by Diabetes Research shows that the combination of eating disorders and type I diabetes is not unusual. In fact, the researchers suggest that eating disorders might actually be more common in people with diabetes than in the general population because patients with diabetes can often mask an eating disorder more easily than the public at large, often for several years.

The study points out that while insulin-dependent diabetes does not cause eating disorders, it can increase a person’s risk for developing eating disordered behavior.

The journal article cites an Oxford based study which is working to established whether eating disorders might be represented more among diabetes patients.

Implications

This study is critical for healthcare professionals and patients. The information reaped from this study might provide more treatment avenues for patients with both diabetes and eating disorders.

Diabetes according to this article is considered the type of illness that can set the stage for eating disorders. It can also be used to mask an eating disorder, according to some health professionals.

How can someone mask their condition? The study notes that patients who take insulin have a mechanism for controlling their weight that the general population does not have. They can, according to the study, ‘under use’ their insulin which will cause blood sugar to rise and spill into the urine. The result is weight loss, a type of weight loss that can be dangerous.

The good news is the study also pointed out that eating disorders typically do not develop in patients with type 1 diabetes until they have been insulin-dependent for several years.

The study suggests that over time patients with diabetes may struggle to lose weight that seemed to fall off when they are first diagnosed with their condition.

In addition, patients with diabetes also often label certain foods as off limits or forbidden, a pattern that is common in patients with eating disorders.

 
Tips

If you or someone you know has type I diabetes, you should be on the look out for an eating disorder. Be aware that ultimately no foods are bad vs. good. When it comes to diabetes, some are simply better selections for health than others. While it is true that some foods may need to be avoided, a person with diabetes can enjoy a rewarding and healthy diet much the same as anyone else.

Diabetes and eating disorders are sometimes linked in teenagers as well. If you have a concern that your type I diabetic child might be developing an eating disorder, be sure that you seek the advice and assistance of a health care professional.

Remember that an eating disorder might be easily masked by diabetes. It may behoove the medical profession to begin screening all patients with diabetes type I for eating disorders. Eating disorders can be particularly devastating in patients with diabetes, thus it is essential that any disorder is diagnosed sooner rather than later.