Transcript from our August 27, 2015 TweetChat with Dr. Lorraine Platka-Bird of Center of Hope of the Sierras

“Diabulimia”

Welcome to today’s #EDHchat! We would like to start by welcoming our special guest, Dr. Lorraine Platka-Bird. Lorraine is a Dietitian and Nutrition Therapist with Center for Hope of the Sierras. Lorraine will be sharing her expertise on the topic of Diabulimia.

Please tell us a little about yourself and your work in the eating disorder community.

I received my doctorate from Michigan State University in 1980 with a major in human nutrition and a minor in psychology. I became a registered dietitian in 1982 and a certified diabetes educator in 2014. I have been counseling individuals with eating disorders for over 30 years.

I have a holistic approach to treatment, considering all aspects of physical, mental, social, emotional, and spiritual well-being, as well as help individuals develop life skills to improve overall quality of life.

Can you please explain what Diabulimia is? 

Diabulimia is an eating disorder that is specific to Type 1 diabetics where patients purposefully restrict insulin for the purpose of weight loss.

What makes a person with diabetes more likely to develop an eating disorder? 

A person with diabetes may be more likely to develop an eating disorder due to many factors. The onset of diabetes is often associated with weight loss that diabetic does not want to give up. Insulin treatment often leads to increased hunger and weight gain, increasing likelihood of poor body image.

There is often routine focus on weight at doctor visits and a restrictive element of a diabetic diet, need for ongoing close monitoring of diet, exercise, blood glucose levels and insulin dosages leads to obsessive thinking and unhealthy preoccupation with food and weight.

There can also be Psychological issues associated with diagnosis and management of long-term illness (anger at diabetes). Misconceptions/judgments of others: “You can’t eat that, you’re diabetic!” (Lack of understanding/education). Need for control (controlling food and/or weight when one can’t control emotions or external situations). Use as a coping mechanism (emotional disassociation). Diabetes diagnosis can contribute to triggering factors that often lead to eating disorders: low self-esteem, depression, anxiety and loneliness.

What are some of the medical complications of Diabulimia?

There are many risk factors associated with Diabulimia, this includes hyperglycemia (high blood sugar), which can be harmful to the body in many ways. Earlier onset of degenerative complications of diabetes, including retinopathy (blindness), kidney/heart disease, also nerve damage and circulation problems higher early mortality rate than in diabetics without eating disorders.

What are effective forms of treatment for Diabulimia? 

Treatment of Diabulimia requires a comprehensive treatment team including an endocrinologist, a Certified Diabetes Educator, a Registered Dietitian, an eating disorder specialist, and a therapist. It is preferable that all members of the team have a working understanding of both diabetes and eating disorders. Residential treatment at a facility that specializes in both diabetes and eating disorders is often the best course of action.

What encouragement might you offer to the individual struggling with Diabulimia today? 

Recovery is possible! It takes motivation and commitment and the support of a dedicated treatment team.

 

Thank you Lorraine for sharing this great insight about Diabulimia.

If you or a loved one has been suffering with an eating disorder, we hope this information brings you hope.

Recovery from an eating disorder is possible! For more information about Dr. Lorraine Plakta-Bird and Center for Hope of the Sierras, visit http://www.centerforhopeofthesierras.com

Please stay tuned for future Twitter Chats from EDH!

If you are in need of resources for an eating disorder, visit our website at EatingDisorderHope.com