Exploring the experiences of diabulimia from the perspective of patients and practitioners

Abstract

Background: Diabulimia refers to the purposeful omission or limiting of insulin to lose or control weight (Chelvanayagram and James, 2018). Omission of insulin leads to prolonged episodes of hyperglycaemia which has life threatening consequences. Diabulimia exclusively effects people with diabetes and is estimated to affect up to 40% of women and 10% of men. However, diabulimia is not an official diagnosis and therefore treatment for eating disorders and diabetes remain separate. Therefore, healthcare practitioners often have difficulties in managing diabulimia. Aims: This research proposal aims to answer the question: how is diabulimia understood and managed by patients and practitioners? The aim of the research is to develop knowledge and understanding of the management of diabulimia from the perspectives of practitioners and patients. This includes developing knowledge about the current perceptions, finding out from patients what would uniquely support them and finding out how practitioners can support each other. Methods: A literature review was carried out to find existing literature. Findings from this showed several gaps in the literature that helped inform the research question and aims. The research will use a qualitative methodology following an exploratory-descriptive design over the course of nine months. Sixteen participants will be invited to participate in the research; 8 patients and 8 healthcare practitioners. Data will be collected from this sample using semi-structed interviews. Conclusion: The research findings could promote knowledge and understanding of diabulimia and potential management strategies as there is currently confusion over successful management. The findings could enhance person-centred approaches in diabetes management in NHS Lothian, positively improving practice in the area. Keywords: diabetes, eating disorder, diabulimia, management, person-centred, practitioners