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Recent studies have shown there to be a link between diabetes and developing an eating disorder. This group in particular seems to be at a higher risk of developing anorexia.
It starts with a restrictive type of diet diabetics have to be placed on. There is a lot of stress on weight and eating habits. This can help fuel an eating disorder mindset. As a diabetic decreases food intake or even starves for a period of time, their diabetic symptoms decrease in the short term. Before insulin, starvation was a method used to control diabetes. Diabetics may also find that misusing their insulin can also contribute to a weight loss. Usually they are praised for keeping their weight under control, but if it is done using insulin depravation, the consequences are far-reaching, even deadly.
Although there is an emphasis on keeping weight down, a healthy diet should be stressed. Proper exercise and food intake are key to increasing the life span of a diabetic. An eating disorder can have be hidden easily and for many years, usually until the consequences are irreversible. If you have a child or teen with diabetes, be sure they are not obsessed with their weight. Try and encourage a healthy way of eating and get them help if they need it.
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