Eating disorders in young women with type 1 diabetes. Prevalence, problems and prevention

Horm Res. 1998:50 Suppl 1:79-86. doi: 10.1159/000053110.

Abstract

Disordered eating attitudes and behavior are common and persistent in adolescent and young adult females with type 1 diabetes, and are associated with impaired metabolic control and a higher risk of diabetes-related complications. Specific aspects of diabetes and its management, e.g. weight gain associated with initiation of insulin treatment or improved metabolic control, and dietary restraint, may trigger the body dissatisfaction and drive for thinness that accompany eating disturbances. Health care providers should be aware of the possible association between eating disturbances and diabetes, and also of the types of behavior, particularly insulin omission for weight loss, that are common in these young women. Therapy will depend on the severity of the eating disturbance. Group psychoeducation, incorporating a nondeprivational approach to eating, may prove effective, especially in those with milder degrees of eating and weight psychopathology.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't
  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Adolescent
  • Attitude to Health
  • Behavior
  • Diabetes Mellitus, Type 1 / complications*
  • Diabetes Mellitus, Type 1 / therapy
  • Family
  • Feeding and Eating Disorders / complications*
  • Feeding and Eating Disorders / diagnosis
  • Feeding and Eating Disorders / epidemiology
  • Feeding and Eating Disorders / prevention & control
  • Feeding and Eating Disorders / therapy
  • Female
  • Humans
  • Insulin / adverse effects
  • Insulin / therapeutic use
  • Weight Gain

Substances

  • Insulin