Evaluation of a novel eating disorder prevention program for young women with type 1 diabetes: A preliminary randomized trial

Objective: Evaluate whether the Body Project prevention program adapted for young women with type 1 diabetes (Diabetes Body Project) reduces eating disorder (ED) risk factors and symptoms.

Methods: Young women (aged 15-30) at high-risk for EDs due to having type 1 diabetes and body image concerns (N = 55) were randomized to virtually delivered Diabetes Body Project groups or an educational control condition, completing measures at pretest, posttest, and 3-month follow-up.

Results: Diabetes Body Project versus the control participants showed significantly greater reductions in thin-ideal internalization, body dissatisfaction, diabetes distress, diabetes eating pathology, and ED symptoms by posttest, and greater reductions in diabetes eating pathology and ED symptoms, and greater improvements in quality of life by 3-month follow-up, which were medium to large effects (d's ranged from -0.43 to -0.90). Although control participants showed a worsening of glycemic control (time in range) verses Diabetes Body Project participants, this difference was non-significant (d = 0.26).

Conclusions: Virtually delivered Diabetes Body Project decreased ED risk factors and symptoms in young women with type 1 diabetes. A well powered randomized controlled trial is warranted to evaluate this intervention over longer follow-up.