Bulimia Nervosa and Diabetes Mellitus: A Dangerous Interplay Producing Accelerated Complications

A combination of bulimia and diabetes represents special clinical circumstances for both the patient and clinician. This chapter addresses the complicated interactions that exist between these two conditions and reviews the literature regarding effects on worsening of both the bulimia and diabetes by the concommitant condition and the impact that these two diseases have on each other relative to outcome. Specific treatment interventions and systems for control of blood sugar are reviewed, as are the psychological issues experienced by bulimic patients who also suffer from Type 1 diabetes mellitus.