What Is Diabulimia?
Diabulimia is an eating disorder that affects individuals with Type 1 diabetes who deliberately restrict or misuse insulin to control weight. This dangerous behavior combines elements of an eating disorder with a serious medical condition and can result in life-threatening complications.
Without adequate insulin, the body cannot properly process glucose, leading to high blood sugar, dehydration, ketoacidosis, and potential organ damage. Over time, diabulimia may cause blindness, neuropathy, kidney failure, or even death.
At Virtue Recovery, we provide the medical, nutritional, and psychological care necessary to help individuals overcome diabulimia and build a healthy future.
5 Signs & Symptoms of Anorexia
Skipping or Reducing Insulin Doses
Avoiding insulin injections to influence weight.
Frequent Hospitalizations for Diabetic Complications
Repeated episodes of diabetic ketoacidosis (DKA) or uncontrolled blood sugar levels.
Rapid or Unexplained Weight Changes
Weight fluctuations due to insulin manipulation.
Preoccupation with Food, Weight, or Body Image
Disordered eating thoughts combined with insulin misuse.
Severe Medical Complications
Nerve pain, vision problems, extreme fatigue, or slow-healing wounds.
Treatment Options for Diabulimia
Our Las Vegas Luxury Inpatient Eating Disorder Treatment Center
Our inpatient center in Las Vegas provides 24/7 monitoring and integrated care for individuals with diabulimia. With medical oversight, therapy, and diabetes education, clients receive the comprehensive support needed to stabilize health and rebuild trust in insulin use.
This setting is ideal for clients who require medical supervision and intensive therapy to safely begin their recovery.
Our Las Vegas Outpatient Eating Disorder Treatment Center
Our outpatient program provides continued care for individuals managing both diabetes and disordered eating behaviors. Clients live at home while attending scheduled therapy, counseling, and nutritional education sessions.
Outpatient services include:
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Therapy for eating disorder and diabetes management
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Nutritional guidance for blood sugar stability
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Group therapy and peer support
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Relapse prevention planning
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Flexible scheduling for work, school, or family life
Our Las Vegas Adolescent / Teen Inpatient Eating Disorder Treatment Center
Teens with Type 1 diabetes may be at increased risk for diabulimia. Our Adolescent / Teen Inpatient Program provides medical and psychological care tailored for young people and their families.
Key program features include:
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24/7 medical supervision with diabetes management support
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Therapy that addresses both eating disorder behaviors and teen developmental needs
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Family-based therapy to strengthen support at home
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Nutritional education to build confidence in managing diabetes safely
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Academic support to continue schoolwork during treatment
This program helps teens and their families work together to build healthier habits and long-term recovery strategies.
