warning signs of bulimia in diabetes

Bulimia and Diabetes

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Get Help Now

What is Bulimia?

Bulimia is an eating disorder characterized by recurrent episodes of binge eating followed by compensatory behaviors. Common purging methods include self-induced vomiting, excessive exercise, or misuse of laxatives or diuretics. People with diabetes sometimes use insulin omission as a purging method (called diabulimia — learn more about that here), however people with diabetes can also struggle with bulimia behaviors that do not involve insulin omission.

Bulimia can affect anyone with diabetes, including type 1, type 2, or other forms of diabetes, and requires specialized care due to the combination of medical and emotional risks.

What is Bulimia?

Bulimia in diabetes often includes behaviors seen in traditional bulimia but can also involve diabetes-specific patterns that are less obvious. These may include:

  • Desire to eat foods that are “off limits” with diabetes and not have it affect blood sugar

  • Over-exercising to offset food or blood sugar spikes

  • Binge-purge cycles triggered by diabetes-related stress

Warning Signs of Bulimia in Diabetes

Recognizing bulimia in someone with diabetes can be tricky because many people feel a lot of shame and embarrassment around this behavior and are often secretive around it. Some warning signs include:

  • Frequent visits to rest rooms after eating

  • Unexplained blood sugar fluctuations or unpredictable glucose patterns

  • Signs of electrolyte imbalance (fatigue, dizziness, irregular heartbeat)

  • Physical signs like dental erosion, sore throat, or calluses on hands (from vomiting)

Dangers of Bulimia in Diabetes

Bulimia can have serious physical and emotional consequences, especially for people with diabetes:

  • Electrolyte imbalances and dehydration

  • Heart complications (arrhythmias, low blood pressure)

  • Gastrointestinal issues (acid reflux, constipation, bloating)

  • Difficulty determining appropriate diabetes medication dosage

  • Low blood sugar

  • Dental damage from repeated vomiting

  • Blood sugar fluctuations and poor diabetes management

  • Increased risk of depression, anxiety, and low self-esteem

  • Long-term nutritional deficiencies

Frequently Asked Questions About Bulimia and Diabetes

Here are some of the most common questions we hear from individuals and families trying to make sense of bulimia with diabetes.

  • Bulimia can affect anyone with diabetes, including type 1, type 2, or other types. Risk factors include body image concerns, dieting history, perfectionism, stress, or emotional struggles with managing diabetes.

  • Diabulimia is a form of bulimia that involves intentionally skipping or reducing insulin as a purging behavior. Some people may experience both, but they are separate conditions. Learn more about diabulimia here.

  • Binge-purge cycles and irregular eating can cause blood sugar spikes, unpredictable glucose patterns, and emotional stress, making diabetes management more difficult and increasing the risk of complications.

  • Approach the situation with empathy and without judgment. Encourage professional care from providers experienced in both eating disorders and diabetes. Focus on safety, emotional support, and medical stability, rather than weight or food policing.

  • Yes! Recovery is possible with specialized care that addresses both the binge-purge behaviors and diabetes management. Supportive treatment can help individuals develop healthier eating habits, emotional coping skills, and consistent blood sugar management.

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Treatment for Bulimia and Diabetes: How to Get Started

Let's Get Started!
Let's Get Started!

Step 1: Free Phone Consult

Let’s chat! Schedule a free 15 min phone call with a member of our team so we can talk through your concerns, match you with a clinician who will be a great fit, and answer any questions you have.

Step 2: Initial Assessment

Our first appointment together (75-90 min) is a chance for us to get to know each other better! We’ll take a deep dive into your past and present relationship with food, your body, and your diabetes care. We will explore what type of support you need to meet your goals, answer your questions, and establish a plan for moving forward.

Step 3: Follow Up Care

Follow up sessions (50 min) are where we’ll do the hard work together. During these appointments, we will reflect on progress, celebrate wins, and unpack struggles to help you move toward a healthier relationship with food, your body, and your diabetes care. We will provide you with tools, education, and structure to support you through the inevitable ups and downs of this journey.

Meet Our Team of Eating Disorder and Diabetes Experts