Even though it sounds like a difficult health problem on its own, in many cases of type 1 diabetes there are other related problems that can occur in conjunction with it. If a diabetes patient has been diagnosed with an eating disorder in the past such as anorexia or bulimia there is a strong chance that they could continue to engage in those types of behaviors in spite of their condition. Diabulimia is a unique condition in which someone who has both diabetes and has had an eating disorder in past avoids taking insulin shots in order to lose weight. Even though disordered eating can be hazardous on its own, a medical condition like diabetes requires careful attention and disregarding a doctor’s recommendations in these circumstances can be very dangerous. Even if a person has been to a depression treatment center, they might still be tempted by the possibility of easy weight loss by reducing their recommended insulin. If they do this often enough they could put their health and lives serious danger.
If you or someone you know seems to be avoiding important insulin shots for their diabetes then you should talk to them about getting help. A dual diagnosis treatment center is the best place to get a treatment program that works for people who still have lingering symptoms of an eating disorder like anorexia or bulimia. These types of problems can take years to completely eliminate and a person may struggle with it for much of their life. It is common to relapse but it is important if they have diabetes to get the best health treatment they can to avoid serious health complications.