Eating problems in adolescents with Type 1 diabetes: a systematic review with meta-analysis

The Use of Mobile Applications Among Adolescents with Type 1 Diabetes: Results from Diabetes MILES Youth-Australia

BACKGROUND

The use of mobile applications ("apps") for diabetes management is a rapidly developing area and has relevance to adolescents who tend to be early technology adopters. Apps may be useful for supporting self-management or connecting young people with type 1 diabetes (T1D) with their peers. However, outside controlled trials testing the effectiveness of apps, little is known about app usage in this population. Our aim was to explore app usage among adolescents with T1D.

METHODS

Diabetes MILES Youth-Australia is a national, online cross-sectional survey focused on behavioral and psychosocial aspects relevant to adolescents with T1D. Associations between app usage and demographic, clinical, and psychosocial variables were analyzed using logistic regression.

RESULTS

In total, 425 adolescents with T1D responded to the app questions (mean age, 16 ± 2 years; 62% female; diabetes duration 7 ± 4 years). Overall, 21% (n = 87) indicated that they used an app for diabetes management. Of these, 89% (n = 77) reported carbohydrate counting as the most common purpose. Of those not using apps, 44% (n = 149) indicated that this was due either to no awareness of suitable apps or a belief that apps could not help. App usage was associated significantly with shorter T1D duration, higher socioeconomic status, and at least seven daily blood glucose checks.

CONCLUSIONS

Only one in five respondents were using apps to support their diabetes management; most apps used were not diabetes specific. App users can be characterized as having a more recent T1D diagnosis, checking blood glucose more frequently, and being from a middle-to-high socioeconomic background.

I Should but I Can't: Controlled Motivation and Self-Efficacy Are Related to Disordered Eating Behaviors in Adolescents With Type 1 Diabetes

PURPOSE

Among adolescents with type 1 diabetes, disordered eating behaviors (DEBs) are more prevalent and have more serious health implications than in adolescents without diabetes, necessitating identification of modifiable correlates of DEB in this population. This study hypothesized that (1) autonomous motivation and (2) controlled motivation for healthy eating (i.e., eating healthfully because it is important to oneself vs. important to others, respectively) are associated with DEB among adolescents with type 1 diabetes. The third hypothesis was that baseline healthy eating self-efficacy moderates these associations.

METHODS

Adolescents with type 1 diabetes (n = 90; 13-16 years) participating in a behavioral nutrition intervention efficacy trial reported DEB, controlled and autonomous motivation, and self-efficacy at baseline, 6, 12, and 18 months. Linear-mixed models estimated associations of controlled and autonomous motivation with DEB, adjusting for treatment group, body mass index, socioeconomic status, age, and gender. Separate models investigated the interaction of self-efficacy with each motivation type.

RESULTS

Controlled motivation was positively associated with DEB (B = 2.18 ± .33, p < .001); the association was stronger for those with lower self-efficacy (B = 3.33 ± .55, p < .001) than those with higher self-efficacy (B = 1.36 ± .36, p < .001). Autonomous motivation was not associated with DEB (B = -.70 ± .43, p = .11).

CONCLUSIONS

Findings identify controlled motivation for healthy eating as a novel correlate of DEB among adolescents with type 1 diabetes and show that self-efficacy can modify this association. Motivation and self-efficacy for healthy eating represent potential intervention targets to reduce DEB in adolescents with type 1 diabetes.

Increased Activation of the TRESK K+ Mediates Vago-Vagal Reflex Malfunction in Diabetic Rats

BACKGROUND & AIMS

Patients with diabetes have defects in the vagal afferent pathway that result in abnormal gastrointestinal function. We investigated whether selective increased activation of the 2-pore domain potassium channel TRESK (2-pore-domain weak inward-rectifying potassium channel-related spinal cord potassium channel) contributes to nodose ganglia (NG) malfunction, disrupting gastrointestinal function in diabetic rats.

METHODS

We conducted whole-cell current-clamp and single-unit recordings in NG neurons from diabetes-prone BioBreeding/Worcester rats and streptozotocin-induced diabetic (STZ-D) rats and compared them with control rats. NG neurons in rats or cultured NG neurons were exposed to pharmacologic antagonists and/or transfected with short hairpin or small interfering RNAs that reduced expression of TRESK. We then made electrophysiologic recordings and studied gastrointestinal functions.

RESULTS

We observed reduced input resistance, hyperpolarized membrane potential, and increased current threshold to elicit action potentiation in NG neurons of STZ-D rats compared with controls. NG neuron excitability was similarly altered in diabetes-prone rats. In vivo single-unit NG neuronal discharges in response to 30 and 60 pmol cholecystokinin octapeptide were significantly lower in STZ-D rats compared with controls. Reducing expression of the TRESK K+ channel restored NG excitability in vitro and in vivo, as well as cholecystokinin 8-stimulated secretion of pancreatic enzymes and secretin-induced gastrointestinal motility, which are mediated by vago-vagal reflexes. These abnormalities resulted from increased intracellular Ca2+ in the NG, activating calcineurin, which, in turn, bound to an nuclear factor of activated T cell-like docking site on the TRESK protein, resulting in neuronal membrane hyperpolarization.

CONCLUSIONS

In 2 rate models of diabetes, we found that activation of the TRESK K+ channel reduced NG excitability and disrupted gastrointestinal functions.

Psychological conditions in adults with diabetes

Type 1 (T1D) and Type 2 diabetes (T2D) represent a demanding set of biopsychosocial challenges for patients and their families, whether the age of disease onset occurs in childhood, adolescence, or adulthood. Psychological conditions, defined as syndromes, disorders, and diabetes-specific psychological issues affect a larger proportion of individuals with T1D and T2D compared to the general population. In this review, we summarize the prevalence, impact and psychological treatments associated with the primary categories of psychological conditions that affect adults with T1D and T2D: depressive symptoms and syndromes, anxiety disorders, eating behaviors and disorders and serious mental illness. The implications of the literature for psychologists are discussed, and priorities for future research to advance the science of psychological conditions for adults with T1D and T2D are identified. (PsycINFO Database Record

Eating disorders in persons with type 1 diabetes: A focus group investigation of early eating disorder risk

Through focus groups, we examined the development and maintenance of an eating disorder in 16 females with type 1 diabetes and an eating disorder. The quotes and qualitative data summaries provide rich insights into understanding why those with type 1 diabetes are at increased risk for eating disorders. Content analyses revealed five themes pertinent to the dual diagnosis (feeling different, difficulty with control/coping, body image, feelings, and quality of life) of which four themes were relevant to eating disorder development. Findings support early identification of those at risk and inform interventions to mitigate development of an eating disorder.

Coexistence of eating disorders and autoimmune diseases: Record linkage cohort study, UK

OBJECTIVE

Recent research indicates that eating disorders (ED) are associated with type 1 diabetes and Crohn's disease. The aim of this study was to determine whether, in a hospitalized population, a range of autoimmune diseases (AIDs) occurred more often than expected in people with anorexia nervosa (AN) or bulimia nervosa (BN), and whether AIDs elevated the risk of ED.

METHOD

Retrospective, record-linkage cohort study using national administrative statistical data on hospital care and mortality in England, 1999-2011. In people admitted when aged 10-44, cohorts of 8,700 females and 651 males with AN, and 4,783 females and 330 males with BN were constructed, along with a control cohort with the same age range. Results were expressed as risk ratios comparing each ED cohort with the control cohort.

RESULTS

The overall rate ratio for an AID after admission for AN was 2.04 (95% confidence interval 1.81-2.28) in females, and 1.14 (0.37-2.67) in males; and, for BN, 1.83 (1.56-2.14) in females, and 4.41 (2.11-8.10) in males. Rate ratios for AN after admission for an AID were 3.34 (2.94-3.79) in females, 3.76 (2.06-6.53) in males; and those for BN were 2.57 (2.22-2.97) in females, and 3.10 (1.50-5.90) in males. There were significant associations between ED and several specific individual AIDs.

DISCUSSION

Strong associations between ED and specific AIDs exist, although it is not possible from this study to determine if these are causal. Clinicians should be aware of the co-occurrence of these conditions. © 2016 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.(Int J Eat Disord 2016; 49:663-672).

Development and validation of the Screen for Early Eating Disorder Signs (SEEDS) in persons with type 1 diabetes

This study's objective was to develop and validate an instrument to identify those at risk of developing an eating disorder (ED) in persons with type 1 diabetes. The Screen for Early Eating Disorder Signs (SEEDS) instrument was developed using a multi-phase process including focus groups, cognitive interviews, and mailed questionnaires. Factor analysis revealed 20 items across three factors (Body Image, Feelings, Quality of Life) demonstrating strong psychometric properties. Scoring guidelines and interpretation are provided. SEEDS is a brief (20-item; 2-5 minutes to complete), self-administered, screen designed for use in clinical practice or research to identify or confirm suspicions of ED risk and does not include weight-control behavior items.

Eating-Disordered Behaviour in Adolescents with Type 1 Diabetes

OBJECTIVES

To evaluate dysfunctional eating behaviour, self-esteem, social physique anxiety and quality of life in adolescents with type 1 diabetes who have differing desired weights and to evaluate the predictors of dysfunctional eating behaviour in these adolescents, with a focus on personal and psychological variables.

METHODS

We evaluated 79 adolescents with type 1 diabetes (mean age of 15.71 years) of both sexes (58.2% females) using the Eating Disorders Examination Questionnaire (EDE-Q), the Rosenberg Self-Esteem Scale (RSES), the Social Physique Anxiety Scale (SPAS-R) and the Diabetes Quality of Life (DQoL) measure.

RESULTS

Of the adolescents, 44 with type 1 diabetes reported the desire to maintain or increase their current weight, and 35 reported the desire to reduce their current weight. The participants with the desire to weigh less were mainly females who exercised regularly and demonstrated more frequent binge eating and purging. Additionally, this group exhibited an increased frequency of eating disturbances, such as restraint and eating, weight and shape concerns. Moreover, this group demonstrated increased social physique anxiety and decreased diabetes quality of life in relation to the impact of diabetes, worries about diabetes and satisfaction with life. Finally, predictors of eating disturbances included the desire for lower weight, higher social physique anxiety and lower diabetes-related quality of life.

CONCLUSIONS

The desire for a lower weight in adolescents with type 1 diabetes may increase problems related to eating behaviour and general quality of life.

Disordered eating and insulin restriction in youths receiving intensified insulin treatment: Results from a nationwide population-based study

OBJECTIVE

This Germany-wide population-based study sought to estimate the prevalence of disordered eating and insulin restriction (IR) among 819 youths aged 11-21 years with early-onset type 1 diabetes (T1D) and a disease duration of at least 10 years.

METHODS

All respondents answered the five-item SCOFF screening questionnaire for eating disorders (EDs) and reported on the frequency of IR and clinical outcomes. Screening for disordered eating was positive when more than two SCOFF items were answered affirmatively. Frequent IR was defined as IR occurring more than five times per week.

RESULTS

A total of 28.2%/9.2% of the female/male patients were SCOFF-positive without IR and 4.2%/5.3% reported frequent IR but were SCOFF-negative; 2.7%/1.9% screened positive for both disordered eating and IR. Patients with disordered eating, frequent IR, or both showed significantly worse glycemic control and partly more inpatient-treated diabetic ketoacidoses than patients who screened negative.

DISCUSSION

Approximately one in three female and one in six male patients with early-onset long-duration T1D reported disordered eating and/or frequent IR. Because of their association with worse outcomes, both disordered eating and IR should be considered in T1D care irrespective of sex, age at onset, and diabetes duration.

Eating disorders are frequent among type 2 diabetic patients and are associated with worse metabolic and psychological outcomes: results from a cross-sectional study in primary and secondary care settings

AIMS

Data regarding the prevalence of eating disorders (ED) and their influence on clinical outcomes among patients with type 2 diabetes (T2DM) are scarce. Our aim is to investigate the frequency of positive screening for ED, specifically binge eating disorder (BED), in a T2DM sample and analyze whether there are any differences among T2DM subjects with a positive screening for ED or BED.

METHODS

Three hundred and twenty subjects with T2DM were recruited randomly. All participants were evaluated for the presence of ED by completing the "Eating Attitudes Test-26" (EAT-26). In addition, the "Questionnaire of Eating and Weight Patterns-Revised" (QEWP-R) for the screening of BED was also implemented. Sociodemographic, clinical and biochemical parameters were also recorded.

RESULTS

According to EAT-26, 14 % of subjects screened positive for ED. Regarding QEWP-R, 16 % had a positive screening for ED, with BED having a frequency of 12.2 %, being the most prevalent one. There was a positive correlation between the scores obtained with the EAT-26 and the Beck Depression Inventory (p = 0.0014). Patients with BED were younger (57.5 ± 11.1 vs 63.3 ± 10.3 years; p = 0.004), with a lesser T2DM duration (8.5 ± 6.1 vs 12.1 ± 9.6 years; p = 0.002). Weight and BMI among subjects with BED were greater (89.1 ± 1.3 vs 82.4 ± 16.7 kg; p = 0.04 and 39.4 ± 10.3 vs 30.7 ± 5.5 kg/m(2); p = 0.01). The frequency of subjects with one admission related to T2DM or any other condition during the last year was higher (10 vs 3 %; p = 0.04 and 33 vs 21 %; p = 0.01).

CONCLUSIONS

ED among T2DM are frequent. Due to their deleterious effect on different metabolic and psychological outcomes, they should be diagnosed promptly, especially BED.

Psychometric properties of the German version of the Diabetes Eating Problem Survey-Revised: additional benefit of disease-specific screening in adolescents with Type 1 diabetes

AIM

To examine the psychometric properties of the German version of the abbreviated 16-item Diabetes Eating Problem Survey-Revised in a sample of young people with Type 1 diabetes.

METHODS

A total of 246 young people, aged 11-19 years, with Type 1 diabetes from six pediatric diabetes centres in Germany were assessed using the Diabetes Eating Problem Survey-Revised. In addition, they underwent screening with two generic tools as well as the WHO five-question well-being index. A clinician's report was also obtained.

RESULTS

The Diabetes Eating Problem Survey-Revised was found to have good internal consistency (Cronbach's α = 0.84). The Diabetes Eating Problem Survey-Revised scores significantly correlated with those provided by the non-specific screening tools (r = 0.37, P ≤ 0.000 and r = 0.50, P ≤ 0.000 for boys and r = 0.62, P ≤ 0.000 and r = 0.79, P ≤ 0.000 for girls), indicating convergent validity. The mean (sd) total of the scores was 12.0 (9.6). Criterion validity was confirmed against HbA1c value, BMI standard deviation score and expert (clinician) report. Of the boys included in the study, 11 scored higher than the threshold score on the Diabetes Eating Problem Survey-Revised, of whom only three (27%) were classified as 'suspected to have a disordered eating behaviour' by their clinicians.

CONCLUSIONS

The Diabetes Eating Problem Survey-Revised delivered more specific information than generic screening instruments and identified more young people with eating disorders than did clinician report, especially regarding the detection of boys at risk. The results of this study support the utility of the German version of the Diabetes Eating Problem Survey-Revised to identify eating disorders in young people with Type 1 diabetes at an early stage. (German Clinical Trials Registry no.: DRKS00004699).

Developing a theoretical maintenance model for disordered eating in Type 1 diabetes

BACKGROUND

According to the literature, eating disorders are an increasing problem for more than a quarter of people with Type 1 diabetes and they are associated with accentuated diabetic complications. The clinical outcomes in this group when given standard eating disorder treatments are disappointing. The Medical Research Council guidelines for developing complex interventions suggest that the first step is to develop a theoretical model.

AIM

To review existing literature to build a theoretical maintenance model for disordered eating in people with Type 1 diabetes.

METHOD

The literature in diabetes relating to models of eating disorder (Fairburn's transdiagnostic model and the dual pathway model) and food addiction was examined and assimilated.

RESULTS

The elements common to all eating disorder models include weight/shape concern and problems with mood regulation. The predisposing traits of perfectionism, low self-esteem and low body esteem and the interpersonal difficulties from the transdiagnostic model are also relevant to diabetes. The differences include the use of insulin mismanagement to compensate for breaking eating rules and the consequential wide variations in plasma glucose that may predispose to 'food addiction'. Eating disorder symptoms elicit emotionally driven reactions and behaviours from others close to the individual affected and these are accentuated in the context of diabetes.

CONCLUSION

The next stage is to test the assumptions within the maintenance model with experimental medicine studies to facilitate the development of new technologies aimed at increasing inhibitory processes and moderating environmental triggers.

Adolescents with Type 1 Diabetes--The Impact of Gender, Age, and Health-Related Functioning on Eating Disorder Psychopathology

Objective

To investigate correlates of eating disorder psychopathology in adolescent males and females with type 1 diabetes.

Method

A total of 105 adolescents with type 1 diabetes (42% males), aged 12–20 years, were recruited from the Norwegian Childhood Diabetes Registry in this population-based study. All participants were interviewed with the Child Eating Disorder Examination. Additionally, the Brief Illness Perception Questionnaire, the Adolescent Coping Orientation for Problem Experiences and the Beliefs about Medicines Questionnaire were administered to assess health-related functioning. Clinical data were obtained from the Norwegian Childhood Diabetes Registry.

Results

Significant gender differences were demonstrated in the pattern of correlates of eating disorder pathology. Among females, eating disorder psychopathology was significantly associated with body mass index adjusted for age and gender, age, insulin restriction, coping, illness perceptions, and perceptions of insulin concern. In a regression model, age, illness perceptions, and insulin restriction remained significantly associated with eating disorder psychopathology, explaining 48% of the variance. None of the variables were associated with eating disorder psychopathology among males.

Discussion

Greater clinical awareness of illness perceptions, attitudes toward insulin, and insulin restriction may potentially decrease the risk of developing eating disorders among female adolescents with type 1 diabetes, and the subsequent increased morbidity and mortality associated with comorbid type 1 diabetes and eating disorders.

Testing an integrated model of eating disorders in paediatric type 1 diabetes mellitus

BACKGROUND

Eating disorders in young people with type 1 diabetes mellitus confer additional health risks beyond those conferred by the disease itself. Risk factors for developing eating disorders are poorly understood.

OBJECTIVE

The current study aimed to examine risk factors for eating disturbance in young people with type 1 diabetes mellitus. Both diabetes specific risk factors, such as body mass index (BMI), glycaemic control and diabetes-related conflict, and also more general risk factors such as dysfunctional perfectionism and low self-esteem were assessed.

METHODS

Fifty young people aged 14-16 and their primary caregiver were asked to complete interviews and questionnaires about their eating attitudes and behaviours, dysfunctional perfectionism, self-esteem, family conflict, and general mental health symptoms. Recent weight and height and glycaemic control were extracted from the medical file.

RESULTS

Different factors distinguished those young people who displayed eating disorder attitudes from those who did not (higher BMI-z, poorer glycaemic control, and lower self-esteem) and those young people who displayed eating disorder behaviour from those who did not (lower self-esteem and higher diabetes-related family conflict).

CONCLUSIONS

The results of the current study suggest that there might be different factors associated with eating disorders (ED) attitudes and ED behaviours, but that food/eating-related factors, family factors, and intra-personal factors are all important. Furthermore there are some gender differences in the presence of ED attitudes and behaviours and preliminary evidence that higher body mass indexes (BMIs) impact on girls more than they do on boys.

Highly increased risk of type 2 diabetes in patients with binge eating disorder and bulimia nervosa

OBJECTIVE

We aimed to examine the prevalence and incidence of type 2 diabetes (T2D) in a large patient cohort treated for binge eating disorder (BED), bulimia nervosa (BN), and anorexia nervosa.

METHOD

Patients (N = 2,342) treated at the Eating Disorder Unit of Helsinki University Central Hospital over the period up to 16 years were compared with matched general population controls (N = 9,368) in three stages: before entering to the treatment for an eating disorder, after the entrance until the end of the study period, and combined any time before, during, and after the treatment. The study population was linked with the oral TSD medication data of 17 years from The Medical Reimbursement Register. Data were analyzed using conditional and Poisson regression models.

RESULTS

Before entering to the treatment for eating disorders, the risk of T2D was substantially increased in patients compared with controls (OR 6.6, 95% CI 4.0-10.7). At the end of the study period, the lifetime prevalence of T2D was 5.2% among patients, 1.7% among controls (OR 3.4, 95% CI 2.6-4.4), and in male patients, it was significantly higher compared with females. Of those treated for BED, every third had T2D by the end of the study period (OR 12.9, 95% CI 7.4-22.5), whereas the same was true for 4.4% of those with BN (OR 2.4, 95% CI 1.7-3.5).

DISCUSSION

Our findings provide strong support for the association between T2D and clinically significant binge eating. Disturbed glucose metabolism may contribute to the onset and maintenance of BED and BN.

Diabetes IN develOpment (DINO): the bio-psychosocial, family functioning and parental well-being of youth with type 1 diabetes: a longitudinal cohort study design

Background

Strict glycemic control during adolescence decreases the risk of developing complications later in life, even if this level of control is not maintained afterwards. However, the majority of adolescents with type 1 diabetes (T1D) are in poor control and so far medical or psychological interventions have shown limited success. Adolescence is characterized by major biological, psychosocial, cognitive and parent–child relationship changes and the complex interaction between these developmental trajectories, and its impact on health outcomes is still poorly understood. A specific topic of interest in this context is the timing of diagnosis. The longitudinal study DINO (Diabetes IN develOpment) aims to examine:

If and how the onset of T1D before vs. during puberty results in different outcomes of glycemic control, self-management, psychological functioning and diabetes-related quality of life.

The timing of onset of disturbed eating behavior, its risk factors and its prospective course in relation to glycemic and psychological consequences.

If and how the onset of T1D before vs. during puberty results in different family functioning and parental well-being.

If and how the cognitive development of youth with T1D relates to glycemic control and diabetes self-management.

Methods/design

DINO, a longitudinal multi-center cohort study is conducted in youth with T1D in the age range 8–15 years at baseline. Participants will be divided into two subgroups: pre-pubertal and pubertal. Both groups will be followed for 3 years with assessments based on a bio-psychosocial model of diabetes, scheduled at baseline, 12 months, 24 months and 36 months examining the biological, psychosocial -including disturbed eating behaviors- and cognitive development, family functioning and parental well-being.

Discussion

A better understanding of how the different trajectories affect one another will help to gain insight in the protective and risk factors for glycemic outcomes and in who needs which support at what moment in time. First results are expected in 2016.

Electronic supplementary material

The online version of this article (doi:10.1186/s12887-015-0400-1) contains supplementary material, which is available to authorized users.

Symptoms of Eating Disorders and Depression in Emerging Adults with Early-Onset, Long-Duration Type 1 Diabetes and Their Association with Metabolic Control

Background

This study analyzed the prevalence of and association between symptoms of eating disorders and depression in female and male emerging adults with early-onset, long-duration type 1 diabetes and investigated how these symptoms are associated with metabolic control.

Methods

In a nationwide population-based survey, 211 type 1 diabetes patients aged 18-21 years completed standardized questionnaires, including the SCOFF questionnaire for eating disorder symptoms and the Patient Health Questionnaire (PHQ-9) for symptoms of depression and severity of depressive symptoms (PHQ-9 score). Multiple linear and logistic regression models were used to analyze the association between eating disorder and depressive symptoms and their associations with HbA1c.

Results

A total of 30.2% of the women and 9.5% of the men were screening positive for eating disorders. The mean PHQ-9 score (standard deviation) was 5.3 (4.4) among women and 3.9 (3.6) among men. Screening positive for an eating disorder was associated with more severe depressive symptoms among women (β_women 3.8, p<0.001). However, neither eating disorder symptoms nor severity of depressive symptoms were associated with HbA1c among women, while HbA1c increased with the severity of depressive symptoms among men (β_men 0.14, p=0.006).

Conclusions

Because of the high prevalence of eating disorder and depressive symptoms, their interrelationship, and their associations with metabolic control, particularly among men, regular mental health screening is recommended for young adults with type 1 diabetes.

Topical review: a comprehensive risk model for disordered eating in youth with type 1 diabetes

OBJECTIVES

Provide an updated literature review on prevalence, measurement, and correlates of disordered eating in youth with Type 1 diabetes (T1D), present a novel theoretical risk model (i.e., The Modified Dual Pathway Model) for disordered eating in youth with T1D incorporating psychosocial and physiological risk factors, and discuss clinical implications.

METHODS

Literature review of prevalence, correlates, risk factors, and outcomes of disordered eating behavior (DEB) in youth with T1D.

RESULTS

Insulin treatment, subsequent weight gain, and disruptions to hunger and satiety regulation are hypothesized disease-related mechanisms through which the treatment of T1D may increase vulnerability to development of behavior characterized as DEB. The Modified Dual Pathway Model integrates these factors with a validated psychosocial risk (body dissatisfaction, depression, and abstinence violation) model for DEB in nondiabetic youth.

CONCLUSIONS

The Modified Dual Pathway model of DEB in youth with T1D is a comprehensive representation of both psychosocial and T1D-related risk factors with the potential to inform future interventions for this population.

Eating disorders in adolescents with type 1 diabetes: Challenges in diagnosis and treatment

Eating disorders (ED) are characterized by a persistent disturbance of eating that impairs health or psychosocial functioning. They are associated with increased rates of medical complications and mortality. Insulin omission is a unique purging behavior available to individuals with type 1 diabetes mellitus (T1DM). The standard treatment regimen for T1DM requires a major focus on food and eating patterns. Moreover, intensive insulin therapy is associated with increasing body weight. These factors, combined with the psychological burden of chronic disease management and depression, may contribute to ED. The comorbidity of ED in T1DM patients is associated with poorer glycemic control and consequently higher rates of diabetes complications. Early recognition and adequate treatment of ED in T1DM is essential.

If it does not significantly change HbA1c levels why should we waste time on it? A plea for the prioritization of psychological well-being in people with diabetes

Despite improvements in pharmacological treatments and methods of care and care delivery, the burden of living with diabetes remains an ongoing challenge, as many people with diabetes are at increased risk of mental health disorders, psychological disturbances and functional problems associated with living with diabetes. Person-centred collaborative care that also meets the psychological needs of the individual is not available to many people with diabetes. The present article examines the role of psychological factors in the onset of diabetes and in relation to living with diabetes. It is argued that the pursuit of psychological well-being is worthy of individual attention in the care of people with diabetes and should not be contingent upon attainment of somatic indices of health. The barriers to attaining this goal are examined, including the costs of treating (or not treating) psychological problems in people with diabetes. Recommendations on how to improve diabetes care are offered, including psychological interventions that are both evidence-based and cost-effective.

Associations of disordered eating behavior with the family diabetes environment in adolescents with Type 1 diabetes

OBJECTIVE

To examine associations of disordered eating behaviors with aspects of the family eating and diabetes management environments among adolescents with Type 1 diabetes (T1D).

METHODS

Data were collected from 151 adolescents (mean age = 15.6 years) with T1D and their parents. Adolescents and parents completed self-report measures of the family eating environment (priority, atmosphere and structure/rules surrounding family meals, and the presence of restricted and special foods in the household) and diabetes family management environment (diabetes family conflict and responsibility sharing). Adolescents completed measures of parent modeling of healthy eating and disordered eating behaviors. Linear regression models were used to assess the relationship of disordered eating behaviors with aspects of the family eating and diabetes management environments.

RESULTS

In unadjusted models, adolescent, but not parent, report of aspects of the family eating environment was associated with adolescents' disordered eating behaviors. Both adolescent and parent report of diabetes family conflict were positively associated with disordered eating behaviors. The adjusted adolescent model including all family eating and diabetes management variables accounted for 20.8% of the variance in disordered eating behaviors (p < .001, R² = .208). Factors associated with greater risk of disordered eating included being female (β = .168, p = .029), lower priority placed on family meals (β = -.273, p = .003), less parental modeling of healthy eating (β = -.197, p = .027), more food restrictions in the household β = .223, (p = .005), and greater diabetes family conflict (β = .195, p = .011).

CONCLUSIONS

Findings suggest that aspects of the family eating environment and diabetes family conflict may represent important factors for disordered eating risk in adolescents with T1D.

Multidisciplinary residential treatment of type 1 diabetes mellitus and co-occurring eating disorders

Research on treatment for diabetes and co-occurring eating disorders is sparse. We examined outcomes from multidisciplinary residential treatment for women with type 1 diabetes and eating disorders and the impact of treatment duration on outcomes. Participants were 29 women with type 1 diabetes and eating disorders receiving residential treatment. Repeated measures analyses of variance examined changes in blood glucose and psychological symptoms over treatment. Analyses were repeated to include treatment by duration interactions. Treatment produced significant reductions in blood glucose, eating disorder symptoms, and psychological concerns. Longer treatment duration was associated with greater improvements in psychological symptoms.

Type 1 diabetes in young adulthood

Type 1 diabetes has traditionally been studied as a chronic illness of childhood. However, young adulthood is a critical time for the development and integration of lifelong diabetes management skills, and research is starting to identify unique challenges faced by youth with diabetes as they age into adulthood. Most young adults experience multiple transitions during this unstable developmental period, including changes in lifestyle (e.g., education, occupation, living situation), changes in health care, and shifting relationships with family members, friends, and intimate others. Young adults with type 1 diabetes must navigate these transitions while also assuming increasing responsibility for their diabetes care and overall health. Despite these critical health and psychosocial concerns, there is a notable lack of evidence-based clinical services and supports for young adults with type 1 diabetes. We review relevant evolving concerns for young adults with type 1 diabetes, including lifestyle considerations, health care transitions, psychosocial needs, and changes in supportive networks, and how type 1 diabetes impacts and is impacted by these key developmental considerations. Specific avenues for intervention and future research are offered.

Anorexia nervosa complicated by diabetes mellitus: the case for permissive hyperglycemia

The coexistence of Type 1 Diabetes Mellitus and anorexia nervosa results in an increased incidence of known diabetic complications such as retinopathy and nephropathy, presumably because blood glucose is difficult to control within the throes of comorbid anorexia nervosa. In addition, even when a diabetic patient with anorexia nervosa has committed to resolving his or her eating disorder, glucose control is again difficult and fraught with complexity and peril as will be highlighted in the following case report. Prudence dictates that strict glucose control is not indicated for the relatively short period of time that constitutes the early stage of refeeding in a patient with severe anorexia nervosa. Rather, "permissive hyperglycemia" may be the more optimal course to pursue, as a clinical strategy which is considerate of both the criticality of the refeeding treatment plan and of the long-term nature of the diabetic illness.

The increased risk for autoimmune diseases in patients with eating disorders

Objective

Research suggests autoimmune processes to be involved in psychiatric disorders. We aimed to address the prevalence and incidence of autoimmune diseases in a large Finnish patient cohort with anorexia nervosa, bulimia nervosa, and binge eating disorder.

Methods

Patients (N = 2342) treated at the Eating Disorder Unit of Helsinki University Central Hospital between 1995 and 2010 were compared with general population controls (N = 9368) matched for age, sex, and place of residence. Data of 30 autoimmune diseases from the Hospital Discharge Register from 1969 to 2010 were analyzed using conditional and Poisson regression models.

Results

Of patients, 8.9% vs. 5.4% of control individuals had been diagnosed with one or more autoimmune disease (OR 1.7, 95% CI 1.5–2.0, P<0.001). The increase in endocrinological diseases (OR 2.4, 95% CI 1.8–3.2, P<0.001) was explained by type 1 diabetes, whereas Crohn's disease contributed most to the risk of gastroenterological diseases (OR 1.8, 95% CI 1.4–2.5, P<0.001). Higher prevalence of autoimmune diseases among patients with eating disorders was not exclusively due to endocrinological and gastroenterological diseases; when the two categories were excluded, the increase in prevalence was seen in the patients both before the onset of the eating disorder treatment (OR 1.5, 95% CI 1.1–2.1, P = 0.02) and at the end of the follow-up (OR 1.4, 95% CI 1.1–1.8, P = 0.01).

Conclusions

We observed an association between eating disorders and several autoimmune diseases with different genetic backgrounds. Our findings support the link between immune-mediated mechanisms and development of eating disorders. Future studies are needed to further explore the risk of autoimmune diseases and immunological mechanisms in individuals with eating disorders and their family members.

HbA1c tracking and bio-psychosocial determinants of glycaemic control in children and adolescents with type 1 diabetes: retrospective cohort study and multilevel analysis

OBJECTIVES

To explore the association between HbA1c 6 months after diagnosis (6 m-HbA1c) and long-term glycaemic control in children with type 1 diabetes, accounting for other bio-psychosocial determinants.

METHODS

This retrospective cohort study, included 155 children (≤16 yr) from the North of Scotland, diagnosed between January 1993 and August 2011, and receiving care between November 2008 and August 2012. Multilevel analysis explored the relationships between 6 m-HbA1c, other persistent or dynamic variables, and HbA1c. Patterns of glycaemic control were identified by cluster-analysis.

RESULTS

6 m-HbA1c was positively associated with diabetic ketoacidosis at diagnosis, shorter duration of partial-remission, female gender, and psychosocial adversity. In multilevel analysis the effects of 6 m-HbA1c on subsequent HbA1c trajectories remained significant after adjusting for patient- and observation-level predictors. An increase in 6 m-HbA1c of 10 mmol/mol (0.9%) was associated with an average increase in HbA1c levels of 5.3 (95% CI: 4.5-6.2) mmol/mol, or 0.48% (0.41 to 0.57%; p < 0.001) over the follow-up period. Coefficients for linear and quadratic growth identified sustained effects of 6 m-HbA1c on glycaemic control (p < 0.001). Higher average levels or accelerated increases in HbA1c were associated with age at diagnosis, falling BMI (in girls > boys), mental health diagnosis, major adverse life-events, single-parenting, child welfare concerns, neighbourhood deprivation, and clinic non-attendance. Cluster-analysis identified groups with poor or deteriorating control, characterized by older age at diagnosis, multiple psychosocial adversities, and maladaptive healthcare use.

CONCLUSION

Early HbA1c predicted future glycaemic control across childhood. Trajectories were further modified by biological factors, exposures to psychosocial adversity, and healthcare use.

Care utilization in a pediatric diabetes clinic: cancellations, parental attendance, and mental health appointments

OBJECTIVE

To examine care utilization, family attendance, and hemoglobin A1c levels in a multidisciplinary pediatric diabetes clinic.

STUDY DESIGN

This retrospective electronic record review of deidentified data included patients (99% with type 1 diabetes) with established diabetes care, aged <30 years (mean age, 15 ± 5.2 years), and duration of diabetes >1 year (mean 8.5 ± 5.1 years) at first visit during a 2-year period. Outcomes included care utilization, family attendance, and glycemic control, as indicated by hemoglobin A1c level. Analyses included t tests, ANOVA, χ2 tests, ORs and 95% CIs, and multivariate analyses.

RESULTS

The study cohort comprised 1771 patients, with a mean of 5.8 ± 2.8 visits per patient. Roughly 15% of the scheduled appointments resulted in a cancellation or no-show; 61% of patients missed ≥1 visit. Patients with ≥2 missed appointments had higher A1c values and were older than those with <2 missed visits. Almost one-half of visits were attended by mothers alone; fathers attended 22% of visits. Patients whose fathers attended ≥1 visit had lower A1c values than patients whose fathers never attended. Eighteen percent of patients had onsite mental health visits. Patients with ≥1 mental health visit had higher mean A1c values, shorter duration of diabetes, and were younger compared with those with no mental health visits.

CONCLUSION

Our observations suggest the need to encourage attendance at diabetes visits and to include fathers to improve A1c values. The high rate of missed visits, especially in patients with poor glycemic control, identifies wasted provider effort when late cancellations/no-shows result in vacant clinic time. It is important to explore reasons for missed visits and to identify approaches to maximizing attendance, such as extended evening/weekend clinic hours and virtual visits.

Clinical characteristics and outcome of 467 patients with a clinically recognized eating disorder identified among 52,215 patients with type 1 diabetes: a multicenter german/austrian study

OBJECTIVE

To compare clinical characteristics and outcome of type 1 diabetes mellitus (T1DM) between patients with and without a clinically recognized eating disorder (ED).

RESEARCH DESIGN AND METHODS

A total of 52,215 T1DM patients aged 8 to <30 years from the prospective diabetes data acquisition system DPV were analyzed. A total of 467 patients had an additional diagnosis of ED according to DSM-IV criteria (anorexia nervosa [AN], n = 141 [female: 94.3%]; bulimia nervosa [BN], n = 62 [90.3%]; and EDs not otherwise specified, including binge-eating disorder [EDNOS], n = 264 [74.2%]). Groups were compared using multivariable regression. Cox proportional hazard ratios were calculated for the association between ED and retinopathy.

RESULTS

After adjustment for age, sex, and duration of diabetes, patients with ED revealed higher HbA1c (no ED vs. AN, BN, or EDNOS, respectively: 8.29 ± 0.01% [67.1 ± 0.1 mmol/mol] vs. 8.61 ± 0.15% [70.6 ± 1.6 mmol/mol], 9.11 ± 0.23% [76.1 ± 2.5 mmol/mol], or 9.00 ± 0.11% [74.9 ± 1.2 mmol/mol]) and a higher rate of pathological insulin injection sites (48.4 vs. 64.3, 64.1, or 62.1%). Furthermore, ketoacidosis (5.7 ± 0.1 vs. 12.1 ± 2.1, 18.0 ± 4.1, or 12.9 ± 1.6 events per 100 person-years) and hospitalization (54.9 ± 0.3 vs. 89.3 ± 6.0, 132.0 ± 12.7, or 91.0 ± 4.4 per 100 person-years) were more common, and duration of hospital stay was longer (4.81 ± 0.01 vs. 11.31 ± 0.21, 18.05 ± 0.48, or 8.44 ± 0.13 days per year). All P values were <0.05. Patients with BN and EDNOS had a 2.5-fold (95% CI 1.3-4.8) and a 1.4-fold (0.8-2.3) higher risk for retinopathy, whereas AN patients had no increased risk (0.9 [95% CI 0.4-2.3]).

CONCLUSIONS

Diabetes health care professionals should be aware of comorbid EDs in pediatric/young-adult T1DM patients. An ED diagnosis is associated with worse metabolic control and higher rates of diabetes complications.

Is disordered eating behavior more prevalent in adolescents with early-onset type 1 diabetes than in their representative peers?

OBJECTIVE

Despite modern therapeutic regimens, youths with Type 1 diabetes may be at increased risk of mental and behavioral disorders. In this study, the prevalence of disordered eating behavior (DEB) in intensely treated children and adolescents with early-onset Type 1 diabetes and peers from the general population was compared.

METHOD

Data from 629 patients from a population-based, nationwide survey (54.1% male, mean age 15.3 years) with early-onset Type 1 diabetes of at least 10 years duration were compared with data from 6,813 participants of the German KiGGS study (51.3% male, mean age 14.6 years). The generic SCOFF questionnaire was used as screening instrument to identify participants with symptoms of DEB. Both groups were compared with multivariable regression analysis adjusting for sociodemographic covariates.

RESULTS

31.2% of the female and 11.7% of the male diabetic patients and 28.9% of the females and 15.2% of the males in the comparison group were SCOFF-positive (SCOFF score ≥2; p > .05). The odds for symptoms of eating disorders were 3.7% higher in female and 4.3% lower in male patients with diabetes than in the comparison group, but the differences were not significant. 20.5% of the female and 18.5% of the male diabetic patients reported insulin restriction at least three times per week.

DISCUSSION

Children and adolescents with early-onset Type 1 diabetes of long duration do not seem to be more frequently SCOFF-positive than peers. However, as insulin restriction is practiced in a substantial portion of patients, attention for insulin restriction in diabetes care is essential.

The interface of physical and mental health

PURPOSE

The interaction between physical and mental health is complex. In this paper we aim to provide an overview of the main components of this relationship and to identify how care could be improved for people with co-morbidities.

METHODS

We performed a literature search of MedLine, Ovid and Psycinfo and identified studies that examined the association between mental illness and physical illness. We also examined the key policy documents and guidelines in this area.

RESULTS

People with mental health conditions are at higher risk of developing physical illness, have those conditions diagnosed later and have much higher mortality rates. Conversely, people with a diagnosis of physical illness, especially cardiovascular disease, diabetes and cancer have a greater chance of developing a mental health problem. When both mental and physical illnesses conditions are present together, there are higher overall rates of morbidity, healthcare utilisation, and poorer quality of life.

CONCLUSIONS

Physicians and psychiatrists need to be aware of the co-occurrence of mental and physical health problems and the challenges posed for both general and mental health services. There is a need to screen appropriately in both settings to ensure timely diagnosis and treatment. Liaison psychiatry provides psychological assessment and treatment for people with physical illness, but there is a gap in the provision of physical healthcare for people with severe mental illness. There is a need for public policy to drive this forward to overcome the institutional barriers to equitable access to healthcare and for educators to reverse the tendency to teach mind and body as separate systems.

Medical and psychological outcomes for young adults with Type 1 diabetes: no improvement despite recent advances in diabetes care

AIM

To assess medical and psychological outcomes among young people with Type 1 diabetes and to compare medical outcomes with a previous audit.

METHODS

An observational study in two diabetes clinics for young adults (aged 16-21 years) in Sheffield, UK. Young people (n = 96: 81.4% response rate) with Type 1 diabetes (diagnosed > 6 months) completed measures of depressive symptoms, anxiety and disordered eating and consented for their medical records to be consulted.

RESULTS

Mean HbA1c (86 ± 23 mmol/mol; 10.0 ± 2.1%); was comparable with that reported previously and considerably higher than recommended (< 58 mmol/mol or 7.5%). Screening rates were improved and non-attendance was lower than previously reported, but levels of non-proliferative retinopathy have increased. Microvascular complications are present in 46.9% of those diagnosed more than 7 years. Elevated levels of disordered eating were reported by 35.1%. Those scoring above cut-off levels for clinical anxiety (26.6%) and depression (10.9%) are comparable with other work with young people with Type 1 diabetes.

CONCLUSIONS

Despite technological advances and improvements to delivery of care, HbA1c remain above recommended levels in a significant proportion of young people, many of whom already have microvascular complications. We need to learn from European centres who achieve better results, improve transition from paediatric care, integrate mental health support with diabetes care provision and take into account young people's views about clinic.

Disturbed eating behavior and omission of insulin in adolescents receiving intensified insulin treatment: a nationwide population-based study

OBJECTIVE

To establish the prevalence of disturbed eating behavior (DEB) and insulin omission among adolescents with type 1 diabetes using intensive insulin treatment in a nationwide population-based study.

RESEARCH DESIGN AND METHODS

The Diabetes Eating Problem Survey-Revised (DEPS-R) is a diabetes-specific screening tool for DEB. Clinical data and HbA1c were obtained from the Norwegian Childhood Diabetes Registry.

RESULTS

A total of 770 children and adolescents 11-19 years of age with type 1 diabetes completed the DEPS-R. A total of 27.7% of the females and 8.6% of the males scored above the DEPS-R cutoff. Participants scoring above the cutoff had significantly higher HbA1c (9.2% [77 mmol/mol]; SD, 1.6) than participants scoring below the cutoff (8.4% [68 mmol/mol]; SD, 1.3; P < 0.001). The prevalence of DEB increased significantly with age and weight, from 7.2% in the underweight group to 32.7% in the obese group, and from 8.1% in the youngest age-group (11-13 years) to 38.1% in the oldest age-group (17-19 years). A total of 31.6% of the participants reported insulin restriction and 6.9% reported insulin omission after overeating. Patients reporting insulin restriction had significantly higher HbA1c (9.0% [75 mmol/mol]; SD, 1.7) than nonrestrictors (8.3% [67 mmol/mol]; SD, 1.2; P < 0.001).

CONCLUSIONS

One-fourth of girls with type 1 diabetes scored above the cutoff for DEB and one-third reported skipping their insulin dose entirely at least occasionally after overeating. Both DEB and insulin restriction were associated with poorer metabolic control, which may increase the risk of serious late diabetes complications.

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

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.

Adverse effects of depression on glycemic control and health outcomes in people with diabetes: a review

In the past decades, important advances have been achieved in the psychological aspects of diabetes. This article reviews the associations between diabetes, depression, and adverse health outcomes. The article provides an update on the literature regarding the prevalence of depression in diabetes, discusses the impact of depression on diabetes self-care and glycemic control in people with diabetes, and summarizes the results of longitudinal studies that have investigated depression as a risk factor for adverse health outcomes.

Using the Medical Research Council framework to develop a complex intervention to improve delivery of care for young people with type 1 diabetes

AIMS

We describe how we have used the development phase of the Medical Research Council (MRC) Guidelines to construct a complex intervention to improve physical and psychological health among young people (16-21 years) with Type 1 diabetes.

METHODS

We consulted previous reviews where available and conducted systematic searches of electronic databases to determine physical and mental health among the population, audited medical records, surveyed self-reported psychological health among our clinic population; and interviewed staff (n = 13), young people (n = 27) and parents (n = 18) about their views of current care.

RESULTS

Our audit (n = 96) confirmed a high HbA1c [86 mmol/mol (10.0%)] and one third (36.1%) reported significant eating problems. Young people did not attend 12% of their clinic appointments. Staff described difficulties communicating with young people who wanted staff to take account of their individual lifestyle when giving information.

CONCLUSION

Based on the findings of the systematic reviews and our audit, we concluded that there was sufficient evidence to justify development of a model of care specific to this age group. The components of the complex intervention include changes to standard care, an optional 5-day self-management course directed at young people and a separate family communication programme. The MRC Guidelines provided a valuable structure to guide development and evaluation of this intervention.