Sometimes, a person may use their diabetes diagnosis to justify or disguise theireating disorder(ordisordered eating).
Maskot/Getty Images
Diabetes and Eating Disorders: A Cause of the Other?
Since diabetes is a metabolic andendocrinedisorder, fat affects how your body manages insulin.

Maskot/Getty Images
Some research has shown thatbinge eating disorderandbulimia nervosamay increase the risk of developingtype 2 diabetes, whileanorexia nervosadoes not.
Diabetes, however, does not directly cause eating disorders.
This may lead to increased body dissatisfaction and preoccupation with weight loss.
It is challenging to know the exact prevalence of eating disorders among people with diabetes.
Diabetes & Eating Disorders Statistics
A recent review estimates that:
What Is Diabulimia?
By restricting, skipping, or stopping insulin, high glucose levels stay in the blood.
Improving body image may help a person manage diabetes and disordered eating.
Diabulimia is not a formal diagnosis or medical term.
It is a condition that may lead to early and severe diabetes complications.
There’s no one correct way to talk with somebody about their eating disorder.
American Diabetes Association.Types of eating disorders.
National Eating Disorders Association.The uniquely dangerous eating disorder symptom in key in 1 diabetes.
2021;9(1):6. doi:10.1186/s40337-020-00357-6
National Institute of Mental Health.Eating disorders.
National Eating Disorders Association.Warning signs and symptoms.
2020;11:556520. doi:10.3389/fpsyg.2020.556520
National Eating Disorders Association.Ten steps to positive body image.