The prevalence of anorexia nervosa, bulimia, and induced glycosuria in IDDM females.

Questionnaires were sent to 550 female patients aged 13 to 45, with insulin-dependent diabetes to determine the prevalence of eating disorders in this population. Seventy percent of the questionnaires were returned and analyzed. One percent of respondents met criteria for lifetime prevalence of anorexia nervosa, 16.2% for lifetime prevalence of bulimia, and 4.9% for induced glycosuria. Contrary to previous studies, the prevalence of bulimia and anorexia was within the range identified in the general population, although at the upper end of the range. The medical risks incurred by women with diabetes who have eating disorders, however, are substantially greater and warrant attention. The incidence of induced glycosuria is a significant problem for diabetes educators and health care providers working with women who have discovered a dangerous but effective way to lose weight.