Insulin restriction or omission in Type 1 Diabetes Mellitus: a meta-synthesis of individuals’ experiences of diabulimia

ABSTRACT

Objective

Unique to individuals with insulin-dependent diabetes mellitus is a disordered eating behaviour whereby insulin is deliberately restricted or omitted. Despite growing research in this area, experiential perspectives of individuals remain understudied. Therefore, this meta-synthesis sought to explore the experiences of individuals with Type 1 Diabetes Mellitus by identifying, analysing and synthesising existing knowledge concerning this misuse of insulin.

Design

Meta-aggregative techniques were employed to generate synthesised findings related to individuals’ understanding and experience, physical and psychological impacts, support and treatment-related needs, noted in twelve studies.

Results

A multifaceted relationship with insulin misuse, beyond weight control was identified. Many individuals experienced diabetes-related complications alongside increased distress, loss of control and feelings of regret, guilt, and shame. Almost all individuals valued support from those who shared a ‘diabulimic’ identity; peer support appeared more conducive to recovery than support from others including formal support services.

Conclusions

This meta-synthesis highlights the need for empathic, collaborative care, and proactive prevention and intervention. The findings highlight the value of peer support, the need for increased knowledge among informal supports, training among multidisciplinary teams and support services, and crucially the development of evidence-based treatments informed by the behaviour as a unique distinct construct.

KEYWORDS:

• Type 1 diabetes mellitus
• diabulimia
• disorder eating behaviour
• eating disorders
• insulin restriction and omission

Funding statement

The author(s) received no financial support for the research, authorship, and/or publication of this article

Data availability statement

Data sharing is not applicable to this article as no new data were created or analysed in this study.

Disclosure statement

No potential conflict of interest was reported by the author(s).