Disordered eating is when someone shows irregular eating behaviors. From food preoccupation and weight obsession to rigid rituals and food anxiety.
Disordered eating turns into an eating disorder when food obsession impairs your concentration. Or your daily functions.
The most commonly reported eating disorder among people with diabetes is insulin omission. This was previously referred to as “diabulimia.”
Insulin omission is when you purposely restrict insulin intake to cause hyperglycemia or diabetic ketoacidosis (DKA). Without enough insulin, your body breaks down fat as energy — causing weight loss. 2
This is an extremely dangerous habit. Diabetic ketoacidosis can lead to coma or even death.
Look out for DKA symptoms including 2:
- Thirst
- Frequent urination
- Nausea and vomiting
- Shortness of breath
- Fruity-scented breath
- Feeling tired or fatigued