'Diabulimia' Triples Risk of Death Among Women With Diabetes

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Unfortunately, half of adult diabetics do not maintain recommended glycemic levels.

This study included a total of 234 women, mean age 45, who were followed for 11 years. Participants had had diabetes for a mean of 28 years by the end of the follow-up.

Almost one-third of women reported taking less insulin than they should.

These women tripled their risk of dying compared with women who did not restrict their insulin. They also died younger (45 versus 58) and had higher rates of kidney and foot problems.

Women in the two groups did not differ when it came to depression, anxiety, fear of hypoglycemia (low blood sugar), or general psychiatric symptoms. This left an eating disorder, rather than general psychological issues, as the likely culprit.

"We need to start including this kind of screening for diabetes practice," Goebel-Fabbri said.

More information

Visit the American Diabetes Association for more on type 1 diabetes.