Weight loss from inappropriate insulin manipulation: an eating disorder variant in an adolescent with insulin-dependent diabetes mellitus.

This is the first in a series of papers being sponsored by the Psychosocial Committee of AADE that will highlight psychosocial issues encountered in the treatment of diabetes. The present case describes the assessment, diagnosis, and treatment of a young woman with IDDM who inappropriately manipulated her insulin to lose weight. The discussion focuses on the role of the diabetes treatment team in the early detection and prevention of maladaptive weight-loss behaviors. This is achieved through routine assessment, diabetes-specific dietary counseling, and the education of young patients and their parents on the serious health and financial consequences of inappropriate insulin a adjustment.