Diabulimia Treatment

Specialized Eating Disorder Care for Type 1 Diabetes in Las Vegas, Nevada

Diabulimia is a life-threatening eating disorder that occurs when individuals with Type 1 diabetes deliberately reduce or skip insulin doses to control weight. This dangerous behavior puts both physical and emotional health at risk.

At Virtue Recovery Center in Las Vegas, we provide comprehensive, integrated treatment for Diabulimia—addressing the unique medical complexities of diabetes alongside the psychological and behavioral challenges of an eating disorder. With expert care, recovery is possible.

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What Is Diabulimia?

Diabulimia is not an official DSM-5 diagnosis, but it is widely recognized as a dangerous and underdiagnosed eating disorder. It affects individuals with Type 1 diabetes who restrict or omit insulin as a method of weight control.

Common signs and symptoms include:

Intentional skipping or underuse of insulin
Significant weight fluctuations
Frequent diabetic ketoacidosis (DKA) episodes
Anxiety or guilt around insulin use
Preoccupation with food, body image, or weight
Complications like neuropathy, vision problems, or fatigue

Without treatment, Diabulimia can result in serious medical consequences—including permanent organ damage or even death. At Virtue Recovery Center, we offer the specialized care needed to address both the eating disorder and diabetes management.

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Start With a Free Assessment

Our team of clinicians is here to listen and guide you toward the right level of care.

Individualized Therapy for Diabulimia

Every client with Diabulimia has unique needs, which is why treatment at Virtue Recovery Center is highly personalized. Our licensed therapists and medical staff collaborate to address both diabetes management and disordered eating behaviors.

Treatment approaches may include:

Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) to address distorted thoughts
Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT) for emotional regulation
Nutritional counseling by registered dietitians experienced in diabetes
Diabetes education to rebuild trust with insulin and food
Relapse prevention planning tailored to diabetes management

Clients learn healthier coping skills, repair their relationship with insulin, and gain confidence in balanced self-care.

Residential Diabulimia Treatment in Las Vegas

Our residential program is designed for clients who require round-the-clock care for medical stabilization and recovery support. At our Las Vegas facility, clients benefit from:

24/7 medical monitoring, including blood sugar management
Daily individual and group therapy sessions
Supervised meals with diabetes-informed nutrition planning
Psychiatric support and medication management
Holistic therapies like art, movement, and mindfulness

This safe, structured environment provides the intensive care needed to restore health and build a foundation for long-term recovery.

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Take the First Step Toward Recovery

If you or a loved one is struggling with Diabulimia, specialized help is available. Don’t wait—your health and life matter.

Family Education and Support

Diabulimia impacts more than the individual—it affects the entire family system. That’s why we include loved ones in the recovery process through therapy, education, and coaching. Families learn to:

Recognize signs of Diabulimia
Support diabetes and recovery management at home
Address feelings of fear, guilt, or frustration
Communicate effectively with compassion and boundaries

Holistic and Trauma-Informed Healing

Many individuals with Diabulimia also struggle with trauma, anxiety, or depression. Our trauma-informed model ensures that clients feel safe and respected as they address the root causes of disordered eating.

We integrate:

EMDR therapy for trauma resolution
Somatic and mindfulness practices for stress reduction
Integrated care for co-occurring conditions
Skill-building for lifelong diabetes management

Anorexia Nervosa Statistics Infographic

FAQs About Diabulimia & Treatment

Is Diabulimia officially recognized?

While not in the DSM-5, it is recognized by medical and mental health professionals as a dangerous eating disorder affecting people with Type 1 diabetes.

Can Diabulimia be fatal?

Yes. Insulin restriction can cause diabetic ketoacidosis (DKA), organ failure, and other life-threatening complications.

How is Diabulimia treated?

We combine medical stabilization, diabetes education, therapy, and nutritional counseling to address both physical and psychological needs.

Do you accept insurance for Diabulimia treatment?

Yes—we work with most major insurance plans and provide free, confidential verification.

Can I recover from Diabulimia?

Absolutely. With integrated treatment and ongoing support, long-term recovery is possible.

Recovery Starts Here

Diabulimia is dangerous, but you don’t have to face it alone. Our Las Vegas treatment center provides the specialized, compassionate care you need to heal your body and mind.

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Glossary of Key Terms in Diabulimia Treatment

Diabulimia

Diabulimia is the term used when someone with Type 1 diabetes deliberately reduces or skips insulin to control weight. While not an official DSM-5 diagnosis, it is widely recognized as a dangerous eating disorder.

Insulin

Insulin is a hormone produced by the pancreas that helps the body use glucose (sugar) for energy. People with Type 1 diabetes must take insulin daily, and skipping doses can cause serious health risks.

Diabetic Ketoacidosis (DKA)

DKA occurs when the body doesn’t have enough insulin and starts breaking down fat too quickly. This produces acids called ketones, which can build up in the blood and become life-threatening.

Hyperglycemia

Hyperglycemia means high blood sugar, which happens when insulin is not taken properly. Chronic hyperglycemia can damage organs like the eyes, kidneys, nerves, and heart.

Hypoglycemia

Hypoglycemia means low blood sugar, usually caused by too much insulin, missed meals, or excessive exercise. Symptoms include shakiness, sweating, confusion, or fainting and require immediate attention.

A1C Test

The A1C test measures average blood sugar levels over the past two to three months. It is often used to monitor diabetes management and can reveal patterns of insulin misuse.

Compensatory Behaviors

Compensatory behaviors are actions taken to offset food intake or body weight, such as vomiting, laxative misuse, or—in the case of Diabulimia—skipping insulin. These behaviors are harmful and require professional treatment.

Co-Occurring Disorders

People with Diabulimia often also struggle with depression, anxiety, or trauma. Treating these co-occurring mental health conditions is essential for successful recovery.

Nutritional Counseling

Nutritional counseling helps clients understand how food, insulin, and blood sugar work together. Dietitians teach safe, balanced eating strategies that restore health without focusing on weight control.

Relapse Prevention

Relapse prevention in Diabulimia treatment includes learning how to manage stress, build a supportive care team, and maintain healthy diabetes management. This step is critical for long-term recovery and stability.