Eating Disorders & Body Image
People living with type 1 diabetes are at an increased risk of developing disordered eating or an eating disorder. It’s not surprising really, as an intense focus on what you’re eating goes hand-in-hand with your diabetes management. You need to be thinking about everything you put into your body and carefully trying to match your insulin dose with what you eat.
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Sometimes people restrict their food to avoid having to have another injection. Sometimes people don’t take their insulin as prescribed, to manage body shape or other concerns. We know that restricting food and/or insulin can be very dangerous.
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If you’re worried about your body shape, the effects of insulin on your weight or your relationship with food and eating, we’re here to help. We have expert clinicians, who are knowledgeable in type 1 diabetes, diet, insulin, and mental health.
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What help do we offer?
We understand the importance of building a positive relationship with food and eating as part of your type 1 journey, particularly given the interconnected relationship between food, blood glucose and insulin. We have a team of people who, together can support you.
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Dietetic Support:
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Beck Newton is an Accredited Practising Dietitian, Registered Nurse (general and
mental health), Credentialled Diabetes Educator and Credentialled Eating Disorder
Clinician. Her unique skillset is specifically tailored to support people with type 1
seeking support with their relationship with food, eating and body image. She has
additional training as a Nutrition, Health & Wellness Coach, as well as training in CBT,
CBT-E, CBT-GSH, SSCM, which are psychological treatments allowed under an Eating Disorder Treatment Plan (see info below). She can help you to reclaim your health and your relationship with food, eating and insulin.
Psychology Support:
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Natalia Hazell is a Provisional Psychologist and has a background in working with people who are struggling with many complex issues, all at the same time. This is particularly relevant for those of us who are impacted by type 1 diabetes. Using a friendly and strongly empathetic approach, Nat can help you adopt a strengths-based approach to managing the condition. She’s also someone who “gets” type 1. No need to explain what it is before she can help.
How to access help?
If you’re concerned about your diabetes, along with your relationship with food, eating, insulin or your body, them please make an appointment to see one of our clinicians. They can help you to work through these issues and help you to navigate your way to accessing any additional support you might need.
You can refer yourself and pay the private clinician fee. However, Medicare rebates are available for eligible people. To activate any Medicare rebated care plan, you’ll need to see your GP.
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You may be eligible for a Chronic Disease Management Plan, which would allow you to access a $56 rebate for up to 5 sessions a year with our dietetic or diabetes educator clinicians.
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If you meet the eligibility criteria for an Eating Disorder Treatment Plan (your dietitian, psychologist, diabetes educator or GP can assist you with this), you can access a $56 rebate for up to 20 sessions a year with our dietetic clinicians. This plan also includes rebates for psychology, but the Family centre’s psychologist’s session costs are currently cheaper than the rebate, so would only be required if seeing an alternative psychologist.
Your private health insurer may also offer rebates - please check your eligibility with your insurer.
If you’re not sure where to start, you can always give us a call at the Family Centre on 08 9446 6446 and we will point you in the right direction.
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For more details on Chronic Disease and Eating Disorder Management Plans, visit Services Australia, or contact the Butterfly Helpline if you or someone you know is in crisis.
