Type 1 Diabetes occurs when the immune system mistakenly attacks the insulin producing cells in the pancreas. Insulin is the hormone that is responsible for regulating glucose (sugar) in the blood. There is no unifying theory as to what triggers the immune system to react this way but common speculations include genetic factors, environment specific toxins and faulty virus response. Type 1 is rare and typically diagnosed in childhood or adolescence. Following diagnosis the diabetic will be reliant on synthetic insulin (via injection or continuous pump infusion) and strict adherence to a specific regime to survive. Type 1 is not to be compared to Type 2 Diabetes which can be (but is not always) caused by lifestyle and diet factors, is commonly diagnosed in adults and is very common. Most Type 2 Diabetes can be treated with tablets or diet and exercise and rarely requires insulin.
Having Type 1 Diabetes increases the chances of developing an Eating Disorder twofold. Current research also estimates that 40% of females between 15—30 regularly omit insulin. This practice for weight loss has been dubbed ’Diabulimia’ by the press. Research has also showed that Type 1 Diabetes increases body concerns and the drive for thinness in males when compared with their non diabetic peers.
Anorexia, Bulimia, ED-Nos and Type 1 Diabetes
When looking at Type 1 and Eating Disorders the Diabetic environment is extremely important. Diabetes necessitates constant attention to food and exercise and constant monitoring of results. It is also very goal oriented. Type 1 diabetes is all about numbers and the best way to achieve good numbers is strict adherence to a regime. Many t1’s feel like they are constantly being lectured and patronised not only by their families but also by their healthcare providers. Living a type 1 life necessitates constant intervention that is not always constructive. In the worst cases a negative diabetes background can mirror the perfect environment to promote eating disordered behaviour.
Hypoglycaemia and Bingeing
When there is not enough glucose in the blood to counteract insulin a diabetic enters hypoglycaemia. Hypos can be debilitating and require sugar instantly, one of the main features of a hypo is severe hunger. The body reacts to the lack of glucose by sending signals to eat, eat and eat some more as it desperately tries to fuel its cells. Another hallmark of the diabetic hypo is disorientation, confusion and generally feeling ‘out of it’; many diabetics black out or don’t remember their hypos. It is easy to see how in this situation bingeing can occur and is indeed facilitated by type 1 diabetes.
Hello, my name is Jacqueline Allan and I am the Director of Diabetics With Eating Disorders. DWED offers support to Type One diabetics affected by eating disorders including insulin manipulation/ omission (dubbed ‘Diabulimia). We also campaign for better (in some cases any) facilities for Diabetics with eating disorders as currently provision is scarce. I would like to thank Sam for inviting me to write this guest blog. I hope it will give a little background as to who we are and why what we do is so important.
DWED also campaigns for better (in some cases any) facilities for Diabetics with Eating Disorders. If you would like to help DWED change this situation or require any further information contact me on our Diabetics with Eating Disorders Site or by email at l: info @ dwed.org.uk
See also: hyperglycaemia and diabetic ketoacidosis dka
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