What is Diabulimia Disorder

Understanding Diabulimia Disorder. Signs and Patterns

Diabulimia is a serious, potentially life-threatening condition that occurs when individuals with Type 1 diabetes deliberately restrict or skip insulin doses in order to lose weight. Although not an official medical diagnosis, Diabulimia is widely recognized by medical professionals as a dangerous eating disorder that combines elements of bulimia with diabetes management.

At InnerLife Recovery, we specialize in treating complex, co-occurring disorders like Diabulimia with sensitivity, compassion, and clinical expertise. Our international team integrates an approach that addresses both the physical dangers of insulin manipulation and the emotional roots of disordered eating.

Causes and Risk Factors

• Body image issues, including distorted self-perception and low self-esteem
• Perfectionism and the need for control, often linked to diabetes management habits
• Emotional distress, such as depression, anxiety, trauma, or chronic stress
• History of eating disorders (personal or familial)
• Weight gain from insulin use, leading to fear or dissatisfaction with body changes
• Constant focus on food, numbers, and weight due to diabetes management
• Diabetes burnout or feelings of being overwhelmed by daily disease management
• Social isolation, especially in adolescents and young adults with Type 1 diabetes
• Cultural pressure to be thin, influenced by media and societal beauty standards
• Harmful social media content that promotes disordered eating or “insulin dieting”