Diabulimia and the role of school health personnel

Abstract

Background: Diabulimia, the omission or reduction of insulin use by persons with type 1 diabetes, is a harmful method of weight control. The purpose of this article is to present school health personnel with the information they may need to become more aware of the possibility of diabulimia in their students-especially females-with type 1 diabetes.

Methods: A review of the somewhat limited medical and diabetes-related organizations' literature on diabulimia was conducted to establish the role that school health personnel could play in raising awareness of students with this condition as well as education for diabulimia prevention.

Results: Since insulin encourages fat storage, many with type 1 diabetes have discovered the relationship between reducing the amount of insulin they take and corresponding weight loss. Improper regulation of needed insulin treatments poses serious health problems that may require immediate medical attention.

Conclusion: School personnel, especially those in the Coordinated School Health Program areas of comprehensive school health education, school health services, and guidance and counseling services have key roles to play in the prevention and recognition of diabulimia in students with diabetes.