A north-east MSP is leading a debate at Holyrood today (tues) to highlight the link between diabetes and eating disorders.
Dennis Robertson decided to secure parliamentary time to discuss what needed to be done to help people suffering from diseases like anorexia and bulimia to mark Eating Disorder Awareness Week.
The MSP for West Aberdeenshire, whose 18-year-old daughter, Caroline, died in 2011 after a five-year battle with anorexia, is also hosting a parliamentary reception.
Eating disorder survivor and campaigner Sarah Caltieri, founder of the organisation Diabetics with Eating Disorders DWED), Aberdeen-based consultant psychiatrist Jane Morris and Mental Health Minister Jamie Hepburn are expected to attend.
According to health statistics body ISD Scotland, eating disorders involve an abnormal attitude towards food associated with abnormal perceptions of body shape.
People with anorexia try to reduce their weight by restricting food intake or through excessive exercise. while those with bulimia have episodes of binge eating followed by deliberately being sick or using laxatives.
The causes of eating disorders are complex and may be linked to social pressure to be thin.
Mr Robertson said: “While we should be grateful for the good work that has already been done to raise awareness and improve support, there is still a long way to go.
“Young people in Scotland are still dying from eating disorders.
“The discussion focuses on the link between diabetes and eating disorders because the comorbidity of the two conditions severely increases the risk of fatality for the person affected.
“Yet there are insufficient resources available for individuals in this particular situation.
“Very few people are aware of the connection between the two.”
Mr Robertson said DWED was a “valuable resource” for diabetics with eating disorders who struggle to find adequate support and understanding.
“I am glad for this opportunity to help raise awareness of the organisation and the issue,” he added.