YOUNG women with diabetes “commonly” reject their insulin in order to lose weight, research claims.
A counselling project examining issues faced by young people with type 1 diabetes suggests more emotional support is needed for those engaged in a “dangerous cycle of behaviour” known as diabulimia.
The practice sees patients deliberately under-use the insulin needed to regulate their condition and can lead to longer-term eating disorders.
Dr Kate Smith of Abertay University in Dundee worked with 18 to 25-year-olds and reported how one study participant suffered irreparable sight loss after restricting her insulin use in her late teens.
Another told how she withheld insulin in the days leading up to a social event to achieve immediate weight loss.
Smith said the practice is now “common” amongst younger females and could have fatal consequences.
Publicising the results today, Smith said: “It is well established that there is a gap between the psychological and emotional needs of people with diabetes and the care and support that is offered.
“The research showed that limiting insulin as a way of controlling weight in the short and longer term was common, particularly in young women.
“It was also clear that emotional support is needed to address the issues surrounding this, in recognising behaviours and signs that insulin therapy is being mismanaged, to help a person acknowledge and address issues around withholding insulin, and to look at key behaviours associated with their own insulin management.
“The research shows that diabulimia is a complex issue which is further complicated by an absence of understanding of how healthcare can respond.”
The research found those with diabulimia may choose to disengage with healthcare.
Smith added: “On the front line, finding a safe, accepting person to talk to about what is going on is the first step to gaining help.”
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