Related Experiment Video
Updated: May 15, 2026
06:13
Randomized Controlled Trial to Study the Acute Effects of Strength Exercise on Insulin Sensitivity in Obese Adults
Published on: December 1, 2023
Reflections on reducing insulin to lose weigh.
1Centre for Research and Policy, School for Health and Social Care, University of Greenwich.
Nursing Times
|January 1, 2013
Summary
Diabulimia, the deliberate omission of insulin for weight loss in type 1 diabetes, is linked to severe health complications. Women with long-standing type 1 diabetes reported past insulin manipulation for weight loss, now facing heart and nerve damage.
Area of Science:
- Endocrinology
- Psychiatry
- Diabetes Management
Background:
- Diabulimia, the intentional misuse of insulin for weight loss, affects an estimated one-third of women with type 1 diabetes.
- It is not a formally recognized medical diagnosis but represents a significant challenge in diabetes care.
Purpose of the Study:
- To explore the lived experiences of women with long-duration type 1 diabetes who have a history of insulin manipulation for weight control.
- To understand the long-term health consequences perceived by these individuals.
Main Methods:
- Qualitative study involving reflections from women with type 1 diabetes.
- Focus on past behaviors of manipulating insulin dosages for weight loss.
Main Results:
- Participants reported deliberately reducing or omitting insulin doses to achieve weight loss.
- Many participants now experience severe cardiovascular and neuropathic complications.
- These complications were attributed by the participants to their past diabulimic behaviors.
Conclusions:
- Insulin manipulation for weight loss in type 1 diabetes can lead to serious, long-term health issues.
- There is a need for increased awareness and targeted support for individuals engaging in diabulimia.
- Addressing the psychological and behavioral aspects of diabetes management is crucial for preventing complications.
Related Concept Videos
01:16Insulin: Dosing Regimen and Adverse Effects
Insulin-replacement therapy usually includes both long-acting insulin (basal) and short-acting insulin (to cater to postprandial needs). In a diverse group of type 1 diabetes patients, the average daily insulin dose is typically 0.5-0.7 units/kg body weight. However, obese patients and pubertal adolescents may need more due to insulin resistance.
The basal dose constitutes about 40%-50% of the total daily dose, with the rest as premeal insulin. The mealtime insulin dose should mirror...
The basal dose constitutes about 40%-50% of the total daily dose, with the rest as premeal insulin. The mealtime insulin dose should mirror...
01:36Carbohydrate Metabolism
Carbohydrates are polymers composed of molecules containing atoms of carbon, hydrogen and oxygen. One gram of carbohydrate can provide four kilo-calories of energy, which makes it the most efficient instant energy source.
Starch accounts for approximately 60% of the carbohydrates consumed by humans. Since amylase enzymes cannot function in the stomach's acidic environment, starch can only be digested in the mouth and small intestine. Simple sugars are found naturally in milk and fruits in the...
Starch accounts for approximately 60% of the carbohydrates consumed by humans. Since amylase enzymes cannot function in the stomach's acidic environment, starch can only be digested in the mouth and small intestine. Simple sugars are found naturally in milk and fruits in the...
01:26Oral Hypoglycemic Agents: Biguanides and Glitazones
Biguanides, particularly metformin (Glucophage), are insulin sensitizers that enhance glucose uptake, thereby reducing insulin resistance. Unlike sulfonylureas, metformin doesn't prompt insulin secretion, which helps to curb hypoglycemia risk. Metformin is beneficial in treating conditions like polycystic ovary syndrome due to its insulin-resistance reduction capability. The drug's primary action involves curtailing hepatic gluconeogenesis, a significant contributor to high blood glucose levels...
01:28Insulin: The Receptor and Signaling Pathways
Insulin action is mediated through a receptor tyrosine kinase, akin to the IGF-1 receptor. The number of receptors per cell varies significantly, from 40 on erythrocytes to 300,000 on adipocytes and hepatocytes. The insulin receptor consists of linked α/β subunit dimers, forming a heterotetramer glycoprotein with two extracellular α subunits and two β subunits spanning the membrane. The α subunits inhibit the inherent tyrosine kinase activity of the β subunits, but this inhibition is released...
01:24Glucagon-like Receptor Agonists
Incretins include glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1) and glucose-dependent insulinotropic polypeptide (GIP), which stimulate insulin secretion post-meals. In type 2 diabetes, GIP's efficacy is reduced, making GLP-1 a viable drug target. GIP originates from preproGIP.
GLP-1, when administered in high doses intravenously, triggers insulin secretion, inhibits glucagon release, slows gastric emptying, reduces food intake, and restores normal insulin secretion. However, its rapid inactivation by the...
GLP-1, when administered in high doses intravenously, triggers insulin secretion, inhibits glucagon release, slows gastric emptying, reduces food intake, and restores normal insulin secretion. However, its rapid inactivation by the...
01:19Type I Diabetes III: Clinical Manifestations
Type 1 diabetes mellitus typically presents with rapid-onset symptoms due to the body’s inability to utilize glucose in the absence of insulin. Since insulin is required for glucose uptake into cells, its deficiency leads to hyperglycemia and cellular energy deprivation, resulting in characteristic clinical features.Polyuria and PolydipsiaOne of the earliest, most prominent symptoms is polyuria (excessive urination). When blood glucose concentrations rise above the renal threshold, the kidneys...