Insulin Omission for Weight Loss in a Female Adolescent Treated With Advanced Hybrid Closed-Loop System

In a recent article published in the journal Diabetes Care, researchers from Israel reported on a case of a female adolescent with type 1 diabetes who was intentionally omitting insulin in an attempt to lose weight. The adolescent was treated with an advanced hybrid closed-loop system (AHCL), which is a type of insulin pump that automatically delivers basal insulin based on a person’s blood glucose levels. However, the adolescent was found to be intentionally omitting insulin doses, which resulted in high blood glucose levels and weight loss. 

The researchers noted that this case highlights the potential for AHCL systems to be used for weight loss in people with type 1 diabetes. However, they also warned that this practice is dangerous and can lead to serious health complications, such as diabetic ketoacidosis. 

The researchers concluded that “intentional insulin omission for weight loss is a serious and potentially life-threatening behavior that should be avoided.” They also recommended that healthcare providers be aware of this behavior and screen patients for it. 

Here are some of the risks of insulin omission for weight loss: 

• High blood glucose levels, which can lead to diabetic ketoacidosis (DKA). 
• Hypoglycemia, which can be life-threatening. 
• Weight gain in the long term, as the body’s metabolism adjusts to the lower insulin levels. 
• Damage to the heart, kidneys, and other organs. 

If you are a person with type 1 diabetes who is considering intentionally omitting insulin for weight loss, please talk to your doctor. They can help you understand the risks and develop a safe and effective weight loss plan. 

Here are some resources that you may find helpful: 

• American Diabetes Association: https://www.diabetes.org/ 
• Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation: https://www.jdrf.org/ 
• National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases: https://www.niddk.nih.gov/health-information/diabetes