Insulin Omission for Weight Control in Adolescents With Type 1 Diabetes Mellitus

As children enter adolescence, growth, development, and life changes take place, and the risk for body dissatisfaction and excessive concern over body weight rise. Adolescents with type 1 diabetes mellitus, who need to closely monitor and manage medication, diet, and exercise routines, are at risk of engaging in unhealthy eating and weight control modalities. It is believed that the management of type 1 diabetes mellitus, and its closely monitored regulation, may contribute to the development of an eating disorder and cause some adolescents to turn to insulin omission (also known as "insulin purging") as a means to control body weight.