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A L S A N A® COMPASSION-FOCUSED DIABULIMIA TREATMENT WHAT IS DIABULIMIA? The non-clinical term “diabulimia” is used to describe co-occurring eating disorders and type 1 diabetes. Diabulimia, also referred to as “ED-DMT1,” involves the intentional restriction of insulin for the purpose of weight loss. CHALLENGES While recovery from eating disorders is possible with treatment, diabetes is a lifelong illness, the management of which requires a different, more complicated relationship with food. People with diabetes can't base food choices on hunger cues, wants, or intuition and often develop rigid eating behaviors, making them even more susceptible to disordered eating. In addition, weight stigma causes some individuals to feel pressure to lose weight in an effort to avoid judgment or the perception that their lifestyle choices "caused" their diabetes. TREATMENT AT ALSANA Traditional diabetes management tends to rely primarily on restrictive, low-carb diets focused on weight loss. This approach is not only ineffective but dangerous for individuals with eating disorders, posing significant risks to their physical and mental health. Behavior stabilization and consistent nourishment are sufficient to manage diabetes in individuals with co-occurring eating disorders.
WESTLAKE VILLAGE, CA
ST. LOUIS, MO
BIRMINGHAM, AL
It’s important to know that the treatment of diabetes in those with co-occurring eating disorders requires neither restriction nor weight loss. Alsana is proud to provide evidence-based, compassion-focused care for clients with co-occurring type 1 diabetes and eating disorders through our Birmingham, St. Louis, and Westlake Village residential programs.
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SIGNS, SYMPTOMS, AND HEALTH RISKS WARNING SIGNS •
Fear of taking insulin and insulin restriction
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Consistently high hemoglobin A1c
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Irregular eating patterns; emphasis on “safe foods”
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Avoidant of meals/avoidant of eating around others
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Limiting or omitting insulin
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Avoidant of medical appointments
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Frequent visits to the emergency room for diabetic ketoacidosis (DKA)
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Increased focus on weight/body image
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Secrecy and/or non-truths about diabetic management
SYMPTOMS •
Early-onset of diabetic medical complications
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Consistently high hemoglobin A1c levels
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Frequently omit insulin at mealtimes despite multiple episodes of DKA
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Frequent urination
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Excessive thirst and/or hunger
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Overlapping ED symptoms and behaviors beyond insulin omission (restriction, binging, purging, use of laxatives, and over-exercising)
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Extreme lethargy
HEALTH RISKS •
Hyperglycemia
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Electrolyte imbalance
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Menstrual abnormalities in females
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Dehydration
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Gastroparesis
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Peripheral neuropathy
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Impaired vision/blindness (retinopathy)
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Kidney disease/failure (nephropathy)
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Cardiovascular complications
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Stroke