Diabulimia is a life-threatening eating disorder affecting people with Type 1 diabetes. It involves deliberately restricting or limiting insulin doses in order to lose weight. While it may create a temporary sense of control, diabulimia can lead to severe medical complications and requires specialist treatment.
At The Fitzrovia Psychology Clinic, we provide expert assessment and evidence-based treatment for diabulimia and eating disorders in diabetes (ED-DMT1). Our clinicians understand both the psychological and medical complexities of living with diabetes. We offer personalised, compassionate care for adolescents and adults in a safe and confidential setting.
Whether you are seeking support for yourself or someone you care about, our multidisciplinary approach is designed to stabilise physical health, address underlying psychological factors, and support long-term recovery.
DIABULIMIA TREATMENT
AT FITZROVIA PSYCHOLOGY CLINIC
WHAT CAN I EXPECT
Initial Consultation: Discuss your concerns with a clinician experienced in eating disorders and diabetes-related distress. We will explore your relationship with insulin, food, weight, and diabetes management in a calm, non-judgemental setting.
Comprehensive Assessment: A detailed assessment examining medical history, insulin use, blood glucose patterns, eating behaviours, body image concerns, and psychological wellbeing. Where appropriate, we liaise with endocrinologists or other medical professionals to ensure safe, coordinated care.
Clear, Thoughtful Feedback: Receive a thorough explanation of findings, including whether symptoms are consistent with diabulimia and whether additional mental health conditions such as depression or anxiety may be contributing factors.
Personalised Treatment Plan: Collaboratively develop a structured plan focused on restoring safe insulin use, improving emotional wellbeing, and reducing health risks. Treatment may include evidence-based psychological therapies, nutritional guidance, and diabetes education.
Supportive and Integrated Care: Access high-quality private care with flexible appointments in London or online. Where necessary, we work closely with diabetes specialists to ensure both psychological and physical safety throughout treatment.
Seek Professional Support
Wondering if your eating habits or thoughts around food might need attention? Answer a few quick questions to reflect on your recent experiences.
Diabulimia can arise from the emotional burden of managing Type 1 diabetes, including constant monitoring of food, blood glucose and HbA1c levels. Restricting insulin may feel like regaining control, but it can result in persistently high HbA1c, unexplained weight loss, recurrent diabetic ketoacidosis (DKA), fatigue and infections. Without adequate insulin, the body breaks down fat and muscle for energy, leading to dangerous weight loss and increased risk of serious complications affecting the heart, kidneys, nerves and eyes.
At The Fitzrovia Psychology Clinic, treatment is personalised and may include medical evaluation to ensure stability, evidence-based psychotherapy, support for co-occurring depression or anxiety, and nutritional and diabetes education. Our goal is to restore safe insulin use, stabilise blood glucose levels and support long-term physical and psychological recovery.
15-minute initial consultation
Following your initial enquiry, we will schedule a brief telephone consultation with you in order to gather some basic information about you, your needs and hopes and goals.
A comprehensive assesment
Our private mental health assessment typically involves a 60-90 minute consultation with one of our senior clinicians. You will be asked about your mental health history, current symptoms, physical health, lifestyle factors, and any previous experiences with therapy.
A personalised treatment plan
Experience evidence-based therapies that are always tailored to your needs and goals, delivered by specialists who remain at the clinical forefront.
Our approach is grounded in clinical excellence and discretion. We recognise that diabulimia is often accompanied by fear of judgement. Creating a safe therapeutic environment is central to our work. Our clinicians are carefully selected for their expertise in complex eating disorders and diabetes-related psychological difficulties. We provide personalised treatment plans tailored to each individual’s needs and stage of recovery.
Where appropriate, we collaborate with endocrinologists, GPs, consultant psychiatrists, and allied health professionals to offer integrated, holistic care. This ensures both the psychological and medical aspects of diabulimia are addressed safely and effectively.
You’re in expert hands at The Fitzrovia Psychology Clinic. Our team of highly experienced clinical and counselling psychologists many with NHS backgrounds specialise in eating disorders, complex presentations, and long-term health conditions.
Dr Gabrielle Brady
Counselling Psychologist | Team Lead of The Eating Disorder Team
Dr Allison Hayes (nee Rigg)
Founder of The Fitzrovia Psychology Clinic | Consultant Clinical Psychologist
Diabulimia is an eating disorder in which an individual with Type 1 diabetes deliberately restricts or omits insulin to lose weight. It is also referred to as an eating disorder in diabetes mellitus Type 1 (ED-DMT1).
Is diabulimia dangerous?
Yes. Insulin restriction can lead to diabetic ketoacidosis, organ damage, repeated hospitalisations, and in severe cases, death if untreated.
How common is diabulimia?
Research suggests that approximately 1 in 11 adults with Type 1 diabetes may engage in insulin restriction for weight control. It is more common than many people realise.
Do you offer online appointments?
Yes. We offer both in-person appointments in London and online therapy options where clinically appropriate.
"Absolutely the best clinic out there for help & support with any psychological problems you may be facing. The therapists are so compassionate, kind, caring and supportive and make you feel safe from the moment you contact them. Highly recommended."
Tan Feltham
"My experience with Dr Rigg has been amazing. cant highly recommend her and Fitzrovia Clinic enough."
Gracie Williams
"Fitzrovia Psychology Clinic have been incredibly supportive and professional. The psychologists are compassionate and truly dedicated to helping clients grow. Thank to their care, I feel more confident and empowered in my mental health journey."
