22nd Annual Student Research Conference
Diabulimia: A Review of the Literature
Megan E. Temme*, Julie M. Hasken, and Teresa L. Nydegger
Dr. Carol Cox, Faculty Mentor
In order for type 1 diabetes patients to control their condition, they must have injections of insulin multiple times a day. Insulin is needed so the body can process glucose, an energy-creating nutrient. Without the ability to process glucose, the body will break down other sources such as fat and protein. Many people affected by type 1 diabetes have discovered that by reducing the amount of insulin they take, reduces the amount of weight they gain, a condition entitled diabulimia. Reducing insulin in order to lose weight has been shown to increase the risk of dehydration, breakdown of muscle tissue, and fatigue in the short-term, whereas this behavior may result in kidney failure, eye disease leading to blindness, vascular disease, and even death. Simple warning signs of diabulimia include nausea, low energy, polyuria, fruity-smelling breath, quick weight loss, and loss of blood sugar control.
Keywords: diabulimia, insulin, injections, weight, risk , warning signs
Topic(s):Health Science
Presentation Type: Poster
Session: 5-8
Location: PML
Time: 4:15