New advice calls for more awareness of eating disorders linked to type 1 diabetes
Our new guidance is calling for more awareness of a potentially lethal eating disorder that can affect type 1 diabetes patients.
“Diabulimia” or T1DE (type 1 diabetes with disordered eating) can develop if patients restrict insulin use to try and control their weight. Eating disorders may affect more than a third of patients with type 1 diabetes, according to research.
The guidance, developed by our SIGN team, makes four key recommendations:
- Healthcare professionals to be alert to possible signs of easting disorders
- Urgent or early referral to eating disorder services
- Intensive specialist care from diabetes and mental health professionals
- Hospitalisation where needed to manage insulin administration and provide psychological support.
Safia Qureshi, our Director of Evidence & Digital, said:
“There’s growing recognition of this condition and the serious health risks it can cause. It’s important we raise awareness and support healthcare professionals look out for the signs and know how to refer people at risk for appropriate support.”
Lawrence Smith (32) from Glasgow, was diagnosed with type 1 diabetes as a young child. As a teenager he developed an eating disorder which he battled with for more than 10 years. Lawrence became severely underweight and his insulin use fluctuated. His health was affected and he spent several months as an inpatient in rehab services. He said:
“I’m so pleased to see the condition being highlighted. There’s a real lack of understanding and confusion around it. Hopefully better awareness will mean that help will be more readily available for people who need it.”
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