Know the Signs, Start the Conversation: Eating Disorders and Type 1 Diabetes

17 July 2026

A man with a glucose monitor on his arm plays a guitar in the foreground, while the background features text about National Diabetes Week and a large red cross.

How much do you know about eating disorders in people living with type 1 diabetes? From misconceptions about who develops eating disorders to misunderstandings about how to approach eating disorders with people with T1D, there are many myths that can prevent people from getting the support they need.

Eating disorders can affect anyone, but when someone is living with type 1 diabetes (T1D), the signs and risks are often misunderstood.

Misconceptions about eating disorders in people with T1D can create barriers to early identification, supportive conversations, and timely treatment. From assumptions about who develops eating disorders to a lack of awareness about diabetes-specific warning signs, these myths can prevent people from accessing the support they need.

During National Diabetes Week, InsideOut Institute is encouraging all clinicians to build their understanding of eating disorders and T1D, and to recognise the important role they can play in identifying concerns early and connecting people with appropriate care.

Myth: People with type 1 diabetes don’t face any higher risk of eating disorders compared to those without T1D

Fact: People with type 1 diabetes are at increased risk of disordered eating and eating disorders. Daily focus on food, numbers, weight, shape, and insulin management, alongside weight fluctuations as a result of insulin can cause some to develop an unhealthy preoccupation with food and weight.

Myth: Eating disorders look the same in people with and without type 1 diabetes.

Fact: People with eating disorders and type 1 diabetes can have eating disorder behaviours that are quite unique, compared to people without type 1 diabetes; they may or may not exhibit the “typical” signs of an eating disorder or disordered eating.

One behaviour that is unique to those living with type 1 diabetes is the misuse of insulin; a compensatory behaviour that can have serious medical consequences.

Assessment and treatment should consider both the diabetes and the eating disorder together.

Myth: I would be able to tell if my patient had an eating disorder by looking at them.

Fact: Eating disorders are still incorrectly associated with young, underweight women — a stereotype that stigmatises many living with this condition. Eating disorders affect people of all genders, body weights, neurotypes, sexual orientations, ages, socioeconomic status, and cultural backgrounds.

Myth: Eating disorders should only be managed by a mental health professional.

Fact: Eating disorders are everyone’s business. Supporting people with type 1 diabetes and disordered eating and eating disorders are not solely the role of mental health clinicians. All clinicians working in diabetes care can contribute to early recognition, supportive communication, and appropriate referral.

Myth: It doesn’t matter when an eating disorder is diagnosed.

Fact: Early conversations and screening can prevent serious harm. Routine psychosocial screening and early intervention are critical; clinicians across all disciplines play an important role in identifying concerns early and supporting safer outcomes.

Myth: Informing people living with type 1 diabetes about the risk of eating disorders will encourage disordered behaviours.

Fact: Discussing eating disorders and disordered eating with people living with type 1 diabetes does not create an eating disorder. Rather, it creates opportunities for awareness, early identification, and timely support. Clinicians can find practical tools to help start conversations, screen appropriately, and respond with confidence, in the NSW guidelines.

Every Clinician Has a Role to Play

As Maureen Moerbeck, Senior Dietitian and Statewide Service Development Lead at InsideOut Institute, explains:

"Every clinician shares responsibility for eating disorder care. Whether you're working in primary care, diabetes care, mental health, or allied health, you may be in a position to recognise concerns and support someone on their path to recovery."
— Maureen Moerbeck, Senior Dietitian and Statewide Service Development Lead at InsideOut Institute for Eating Disorders

Building clinician confidence in recognising and responding to eating disorders among people living with type 1 diabetes is essential to improving outcomes.

Access the NSW Eating Disorders and Type 1 Diabetes Guideline

The NSW Eating Disorders and Type 1 Diabetes Guideline provides practical advice to help clinicians:

Recognise eating disorders and disordered eating in people with T1D
Conduct supportive and informed conversations
Understand diabetes-specific risk factors and warning signs
Explore referral and support pathways across NSW
Respond confidently and appropriately to concerns

Access the Guidelines Today

Learn more about the Project

Public Policy & Service Development

Clinical Guidelines for Managing Eating Disorders for People with Type 1 Diabetes

In the past 30 years there has been an increased awareness of the higher prevalence of disordered eating and eating disorders in people with and at risk of Type 1 Diabetes (T1D). The Queensland Eating Disorder Service (QuEDS) developed local guidelines for caring for people living with T1D, and an eating disorder or disordered eating. NSW Health formed a working group to review these guidelines, and explore adaptation and development of the guideline for NSW Health services, to provide guidance to clinicians working in the community with people with diabetes on how to assess and manage disordered eating and eating disorders. This guidance improves clinician confidence and ensures people with eating disorders and at risk of T1D receive coordinated, effective care.

In Progress