These folks will lose weight, but the biochemical process is particularly dangerous. Reducing insulin causes body tissues to dissolve and be flushed out in urination. Once diabetics discover they can manipulate their weight this way, they are reluctant to stop, even if they know about potential consequences, because weight loss is rewarding in our fat-phobic culture. They decide to maintain the weight loss, and that decision can serve as the trigger for a full-blown eating disorder. Both demand that people pay close attention to body states, weight management, types and amounts of food consumed, and the timing and content of meals.
Control is a central issue in both diabetes and eating disorders.
Diabetics may feel guilty, anxious, or out of control if their blood sugar swings more than a few points. Anorexics and bulimics may feel the same way if their weight fluctuates. People with both problems may become consumed with strategies to rigidly suppress both weight and blood sugar. Children with diabetes may have parents they perceive as overprotective and overcontroling. The parents of young people with eating disorders are often described in similar terms.