A study by Abertay University into the deadly eating disorder diabulimia has found the practice is much more common than first thought.

Researchers urge people who suffer from Type 1 diabetes to keep taking their insulin if they're trying to lose weight.

Academic Curriculum Manager for Abertay's School of Social and Health Sciences Dr Kate Smith conducted the research.

Dr Smith said: "It is well established that there is a gap between the psychological and emotional needs of people with diabetes and the care and support that is offered.

"The research showed that limiting insulin as a way of controlling weight in the short and longer term was common, particularly in young women."

Becky Rudkin from Aberdeen suffered with diabulimia for 10 years.

As a result of the disorder, she became so frail that she had to be sectioned to save her life.

She said: "I asked to be sectioned mainly for the fact that I knew that as soon I started to see the weight gain I would want to walk out of the door and I knew if I done that I would be straight back in within a couple of weeks."

Now, with support and treatment, Becky hopes her story can help others.

She said: "I would suggest either speaking to your diabetic team, or somebody in the mental health team, because obviously it is a mental health issue, and just take it from there.