Though it's not a medical term, nor is it a recognized disorder, the term "diabulimia" has been created to describe the practice of skipping insulin shots in order to lose weight. An estimated 450,000 people who have Type 1 diabetes are said to have resorted this dangerous weight loss tactic.

"Warning signs for diabulimia include a change in eating habits - typically someone who eats more but still loses weight - low energy and high blood-sugar levels... Frequent urination is another signal. When sugars are high, the kidneys work overtime to filter the excess glucose from the blood."

The dangers of skipping or reducing insulin intake are extreme for someone with Type 1 diabetes. Risks include falling into a coma, blindness, amputation, kidney failure and even death.

Read more at BeloitDailyNews.com.

Labels: death, diabetes, risks