For instance, in the case of anorexia nervosa, inadequate food intake can lead to a drop in blood glucose levels, depriving the body of the energy needed to function properly.
Conversely, episodes of binge eating or bulimia, where a person consumes excessive amounts of food then attempts to rid themselves of it, can disrupt blood glucose levels, affecting energy levels.
Similarly, individuals with compulsive eating disorder may experience a rapid rise in blood glucose followed by a drop, resulting in feelings of fatigue or weakness.
For those with diabetes, it's essential to monitor blood glucose levels and maintain a balanced diet to avoid fluctuations.
However, eating disorders can make this challenging due to irregular eating behaviors.
By enhancing awareness and understanding of eating disorders (EDs) and their effects on blood glucose and overall health, several measures can be implemented to support affected individuals.
Public and healthcare professional awareness, early screening for ED signs, a multidisciplinary approach involving various healthcare specialists, individualized support tailored to each person's needs, promotion of balanced nutrition, and reduction of ED-related stigma are all crucial actions.
Learn more about Pep2Dia to maintain a healthy glycemia!
Sources:
Dziewa M, Bańka B, Herbet M, Piątkowska-Chmiel I. Eating Disorders and Diabetes: Facing the Dual Challenge. Nutrients. 2023 Sep 12;15(18):3955. doi: 10.3390/nu15183955. PMID: 37764739; PMCID: PMC10538145.
Kumar A, Alam S, Bano S, Prakash R, Jain V. Association of eating disorders with glycaemic control and insulin resistance in patients of type 2 diabetes mellitus. Int J Biochem Mol Biol. 2023 Aug 15;14(4):40-50. PMID: 37736391; PMCID: PMC10509534.
Crone C, Fochtmann LJ, Attia E, Boland R, Escobar J, Fornari V, Golden N, Guarda A, Jackson-Triche M, Manzo L, Mascolo M, Pierce K, Riddle M, Seritan A, Uniacke B, Zucker N, Yager J, Craig TJ, Hong SH, Medicus J. The American Psychiatric Association Practice Guideline for the Treatment of Patients With Eating Disorders. Am J Psychiatry. 2023 Feb 1;180(2):167-171. doi: 10.1176/appi.ajp.23180001. PMID: 36722117.
Koceïr EA, Benbaïbeche H, Haffaf M, Kacimi G, Oudjit B. Evaluation primaire des troubles du comportement alimentaire chez le sujet obèse et le patient diabétique de type 2 algérien [Primary evaluation of the behaviour eating disorder in obese and type 2 diabetic Algerian subjects]. Ann Biol Clin (Paris). 2009 May-Jun;67(3):307-13. French. doi: 10.1684/abc.2009.0325. PMID: 19411233.
Eating disorders and diabetes
https://www.diabetes.org.uk/guide-to-diabetes/emotions/eating-disorders-and-diabetes
Types of Eating Disorders
https://diabetes.org/health-wellness/mental-health/eating-disorders
https://www.nationaleatingdisorders.org/eating-disorders-and-diabetes/