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Eating Disorders and Disordered Eating in Type 1 Diabetes: Prevalence, Screening, and Treatment Options

  • Psychosocial Aspects (KK Hood, Section Editor)
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Abstract

This review is focused on the prevalence of eating disorders and disordered eating behaviors in individuals with type 1 diabetes. Recent research indicates higher prevalence rates of eating disorders among people with type 1 diabetes compared with their peers without diabetes. Eating disorders and disordered eating behaviors—especially insulin omission—are associated with poorer glycemic control and serious risk for increased morbidity and mortality. Screening should begin in pre-adolescence and continue through early adulthood, as many disordered eating behaviors begin during the transition to adolescence and may persist for years. Available screening tools and treatment options are reviewed. Given the complexity of diabetes management in combination with eating disorder treatment, it is imperative to screen early and often, in order to identify those most vulnerable and begin appropriate treatment in a timely manner.

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Acknowledgment

Sarah S. Jaser is supported by an award from the National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases (K23 NK088454).

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Conflict of Interest

Margo E. Hanlan declares that she has no conflicts of interest. Julie Griffith declares that she has no conflicts of interest. Niral Patel declares that he has no conflicts of interest. Sarah S. Jaser declares that she has no conflicts of interest.

Human and Animal Rights and Informed Consent

This article does not contain any studies with human or animal subjects performed by any of the authors.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Preferred Pediatrics, 10600 Spotsylvania Ave, Fredericksburg, VA, USA

    Margo E. Hanlan

  2. Joslin Diabetes Center, 1 Joslin Place, Boston, MA, USA

    Julie Griffith

  3. Department of Pediatrics, Vanderbilt University, 2200 Children’s Way, Nashville, TN, 37232, USA

    Niral Patel & Sarah S. Jaser

Authors
  1. Margo E. Hanlan
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  2. Julie Griffith
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  3. Niral Patel
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  4. Sarah S. Jaser
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Correspondence to Sarah S. Jaser.

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Hanlan, M.E., Griffith, J., Patel, N. et al. Eating Disorders and Disordered Eating in Type 1 Diabetes: Prevalence, Screening, and Treatment Options. Curr Diab Rep 13, 909–916 (2013). https://doi.org/10.1007/s11892-013-0418-4

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