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Columbia, MO | Rochester, MN

Type 1 Diabetes and Eating Disorders

diabulimia
 
 

could i have an eating disorder and diabetes?

If you are reading this, perhaps it is because you feel you have a poor relationship with food. Maybe food is controlling too much of your life and daily thoughts. Or could it be that you are down right tired of feeling terrible and want to regain trust in your body?

Diabetes in itself is a difficult diagnosis when it comes to your meal plan. It requires paying attention to carbohydrates, being in tune with your body’s signals, focusing on numbers and when to adjust…

There are many opportunities for an eating disorder to step in. If you feel that you may be at risk for an eating disorder but are not sure, here are some questions to ask yourself:

  1. Do you delay or not take your insulin because you think it will “make you fat?”

  2. Do you try to eat only the minimum amount of carbohydrates necessary in a day?

  3. Are you thinking about food majority of the day and eating gives your anxiety?

  4. Have you been hospitalized for hyperglycemia?

  5. Do you have body image concerns and is this partly what drives you to abuse your insulin?

If you said yes to any of the above questions, it may be the right time for you to seek support from a dietitian and a counselor.

How would a dietitian help?

  • A dietitian will help you to normalize your eating and discover what routine works best for you.

  • A dietitian will help educate you on the importance of insulin, eating regularly, and individualize a meal plan to fit your needs.

  • A dietitian will monitor your physical health and refer you to other professionals if necessary.

  • A dietitian will help you overcome your eating disorder thoughts surrounding food and empower you to once again become an intuitive eater.

It can be scary to seek treatment at first. I encourage you to discuss your story with either your doctor, therapist, close friend or family member. If you’d like to discuss this topic further with complete the form and tell us a little about yourself. We can call or email you to help you feel prepared about the next steps!