Prevalence of disordered eating behaviors in adolescents with type 1 diabetes: Results of multicenter Italian nationwide study

Relationship between eating attitudes, depression, and insight in schizophrenic patients with and without type 2 diabetes mellitus: a comparative study in Guangdong, China

Background

Schizophrenia, a severe mental disorder, is often complicated by Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus (T2DM), which can further impact patients' psychological health. This study investigated the differences in eating attitudes, depression, and insight between schizophrenic patients with and without comorbid T2DM and explored the correlations among these factors to provide empirical support for clinical interventions.

Methods

This case-control study was conducted in Guangdong Province, China. From December 2022 to May 2023, a total of 300 hospitalized patients with schizophrenia (92 with comorbid T2DM and 208 without T2DM) were recruited. Data were collected using the Personal Information Form, Eating Attitudes Test (EAT-26), Hamilton Depression Scale (HAMD), and Insight and Treatment Attitudes Questionnaire (ITAQ). Statistical analyses, including t-tests, ANOVA, and multiple linear regression, were performed to examine differences and predictive factors of eating attitudes among patients. This study was approved by the Ethics Committee of the Affiliated Brain Hospital of Guangzhou Medical University (approval number: 2020028), and written informed consent was obtained from all participants.

Results

Patients with schizophrenia and comorbid T2DM exhibited significantly higher risks of eating disorders (EAT-26: 12.54 ± 9.77 vs. 9.07 ± 7.90, P=0.003), more severe depression (HAMD: 14.71 ± 7.36 vs. 11.80 ± 6.04, P=0.001), and poorer insight (ITAQ: 10.46 ± 6.01 vs. 12.16 ± 6.09, P=0.025) compared to those without T2DM. Regression analysis revealed that gender, weekly exercise frequency, depression, and insight were significant predictors of eating attitudes among patients with T2DM. For patients without T2DM, weekly exercise frequency, smoking status, and insight were significant predictors.

Conclusion

Schizophrenic patients with comorbid T2DM are facing increasing risks related to eating attitudes, depression, and insight which highlight the need for targeted interventions. Regular psychological assessment and tailored support strategies might improve their mental health and quality of life. Future research should focus on longitudinal studies to clarify causal relationships and develop more effective interventions.

Disordered eating behaviors and associated factors in children and adolescents with type 1 diabetes

OBJECT

As part of their treatment, patients with type 1 diabetes mellitus (DM) have to be very careful with what they eat and with their insulin doses. Therefore, the risk of eating disorders increases in this patient group. In this study, we aimed to determine the disordered eating behaviors of patients with type 1 DM and to evaluate the sociodemographic characteristics, diabetes care behaviors, and quality-of-life scale results that these behaviors may be related to.

METHOD

The sociodemographic characteristics and diabetes treatment data of 191 patients aged 9-18 years with type 1 DM were analyzed. The Pediatric Quality of Life Inventory (PedsQL), the PedsQL 3.0 Diabetes Module, and the Diabetes Eating Problem Survey-Revised (DEPS-R) were applied.

RESULTS

The median DEPS-R score of the patients was 18 (19.00), and 44.5 % had a DEPS-R score above 20. A significant correlation was found between age, duration of diabetes, frequency of blood glucose measurement, hemoglobin A1c (HbA1c) level, body mass index standard deviation score (BMI-SDS), and DEPS-R score. There was no significant difference between girls and boys. Patients with a high DEPS-R score had low scores on the PedsQL and on the PedsQL 3.0 Diabetes Module.

CONCLUSION

The DEPS-R scale is a diabetes-specific, easy-to-use, and effective method for screening patients with type 1 DM for disordered eating behaviors. It can help prevent the progression of disordered eating behaviors to clinical eating disorders in patients with type 1 DM. It would be beneficial to use this scale as a routine screening, especially in clinics where access to a psychologist is not possible.

Glycemic Variability and Disordered Eating Among Adolescents and Young Adults with Type 1 Diabetes: The Role of Disinhibited Eating

Background and Aims: Disordered eating behaviors (DEB) are common among individuals with type 1 diabetes (T1D). Glycemic variability, potentially harmful in T1D, may reveal distinct characteristics between those with higher versus lower variability, particularly concerning DEB. Our aim was to evaluate the prevalence of DEB and associated risk factors among adolescents and young adults with T1D and to investigate unique factors associated with DEB across different levels of glycemic variability. Methods: An observational, cross-sectional study was conducted with 147 individuals with T1D, aged 13-21 years. Data were collected from medical charts, personal technological devices for assessing glycemic variability, and self-reported questionnaires, including assessments of DEB. Results: DEB were found in 62 (42.1%) individuals, and 41.5% achieved the glycemic variability (% coefficient of variation) target ≤36%. Among individuals with low glycemic variability, DEB were positively associated with diabetes distress (odds ratio [OR]: 1.14 [95% confidence interval or CI: 1.05-1.22], P < 0.001), longer diabetes duration (OR: 1.34 [95% CI: 1.05-1.70], P = 0.016) and lower socioeconomic-status (OR: 0.53 [95% CI: 0.31-0.90], P = 0.019). Among those with high glycemic variability, body mass index Z score (OR: 3.82 [95% CI: 1.48-9.85], P = 0.005), HbA1c (OR: 4.12 [95% CI: 1.33-12.80], P = 0.014), disinhibited eating (OR: 1.57 [95% CI: 1.14-2.15], P = 0.005), and tendency to lower socioeconomic status (OR: 0.75 [95% CI: 0.56-1.01], P = 0.065). Discussion: DEB are prevalent among adolescents and young adults with T1D and are associated with various risk factors. Factors associated with DEB vary across different levels of glycemic variability. Both low and high glycemic variability are associated with specific risk factors for DEB. One notable risk factor is diabetes-specific disinhibited eating among individuals with high glycemic variability, in contrast to those with low glycemic variability. Given these different risk factors, it may be prudent to adjust intervention programs to reduce DEB among T1D adolescents according to their glycemic variability levels.

Disordered eating in adolescents with type 1 diabetes: risk factors and screening recommendations

PURPOSE OF REVIEW

Adolescents with Type 1 diabetes (T1D) are at significantly greater risk for disordered eating behaviors compared to their peers without T1D. Given that this is a dangerous and potentially lethal combination, this review aims to support pediatric medical providers in increasing competence in identification, assessment, and prevention of disordered eating behaviors in adolescents with T1D.

RECENT FINDINGS

This review provides an up-to-date synthesis of unique risk factors for disordered eating behaviors in adolescents with T1D, including the daily diabetes management tasks, effects of insulin on weight and hunger, family conflict, and reinforcement from their environment for disordered behaviors. This review recommends two brief screening tools, the Diabetes Eating Problems Survey-Revised (DEPS-R) and Modified SCOFF (mSCOFF), to be used in busy practices; it also provides practical strategies for providersto use with patients in the form of effective, nonjudgmental language.

SUMMARY

A clear understanding of unique experiences impacting adolescents with T1D may increase use of evidence-based screening tools and identification of disordered eating behaviors among a high-risk population in clinic/practice. In addition, providers' intentional use of nonjudgmental and de-stigmatizing language may lead to more positive interactions for adolescents and willingness to engage in further treatment.

Eating Styles Profiles and Correlates in Chinese Postpartum Women: A Latent Profile Analysis

Postpartum women present a high risk of disordered eating behaviors, but the heterogeneity between groups was not identified. This cross-sectional study aimed to identify eating styles profiles in postpartum women and explore the correlates based on demographic characteristics and psychosocial factors. Questionnaires were administered to 507 Chinese postpartum women. Latent profile analysis (LPA) was conducted to identify eating styles profiles. Multinomial logistic regression was used to investigate the correlates of these profiles among postpartum women. The LPA identified three eating styles profiles: postpartum women with low emotional, external, and restrained eating (Profile 1, 6.9%); postpartum women with medium emotional, external, and restrained eating (Profile 2, 66.1%); and postpartum women with high emotional, external, and restrained eating (Profile 3, 27.0%). Compared to Profile 1, higher postpartum depression (PPD) and body mass index (BMI) were more likely to be associated with Profile 2 and Profile 3, whereas higher postpartum weight retention (PPWR) was more likely to be associated with Profile 1. Compared to Profile 2, higher PPD and BMI were more likely associated with Profile 3. Disordered eating behaviors in postpartum women with three eating styles were associated with BMI, PPD, and PPWR. This study can guide healthcare professionals in developing targeted interventions to improve maternal and child health globally.

Prevalence of eating disorder symptoms in people with insulin-dependent-diabetes: A systematic review and meta-analysis

AIMS

To examine the prevalence of eating disorder symptoms (EDS) in 16 years and older individuals with insulin-dependent diabetes including both clinical and subclinical eating disorder symptoms.

METHODS

We searched PubMed, Embase, Scopus, PsycINFO, and CINAHL databases to discover studies reporting prevalence of eating disorder symptoms in patients with insulin-dependent diabetes (both type 1 and type 2). We performed a meta-analysis to estimate the pooled prevalence of eating disorder symptoms and an independent meta-analysis to estimate the prevalence of insulin omission.

RESULTS

A total of 45 studies were included in the meta-analysis of eating disorder symptoms. Diabetes Eating Problem Survey (DEPS-R) was the most frequently used screening tool (in 43 % of studies, n = 20). The pooled prevalence of eating disorder symptoms was 24 % (95 % CI 0.21-0.28), whereas in studies using DEPS-R, it was slightly higher, 27 % (95 % CI 0.24-0.31), with the prevalence ratio (PR) of 1.1. The prevalence differed between screening tools (χ2 = 85.83, df = 8, p < .0001). The sex distribution was associated with the observed prevalences; in studies with a higher female prevalence (>58 %), the pooled eating disorder symptom prevalence was higher [30 % (95 % CI 0.26-0.34) vs. 18 % (95 % Cl 0.14-0.22), PR 1.7]. The prevalence of insulin omission was 21 % (95 % CI 0.13-0.33).

CONCLUSIONS

Eating disorder symptoms and insulin omission are common in patients with insulin-dependent diabetes regardless of age. DEPS-R is the most used screening tool. Studies with a higher proportion of female participants report higher prevalence rates.

Prevalence and Multidimensional Model of Disordered Eating in Youths With Type 1 Diabetes: Results From a Nationwide Population-Based Study

OBJECTIVE

The aim of this study was to report nationwide data of the prevalence of disordered eating behaviors (DEBs) in adolescents with type 1 diabetes (T1D) and to evaluate a multidimensional model of eating problems, analyzing how psychopathological problems are associated with DEBs and with metabolic control.

METHODS

This study was carried out using a cross-sectional design with a sample of 1,562 patients with T1D (812 male), aged 11-19 years. Participants were recruited from multiple pediatric diabetes centers (N = 30) located in northern, central, and southern Italy, and they individually completed the Diabetes Eating Problem Survey-Revised (DEPS-r) and the Youth Self-Report (YSR). Sociodemographic and clinical data were also gathered. Multiple-group structural equation modeling was used to investigate the relationships between internalizing/externalizing symptoms, DEBs, and glycosylated hemoglobin (HbA1c) values.

RESULTS

A total of 29.7% of the participants reported DEBs (DEPS-r scores ≥20), 42.4% reported insulin manipulation (IM). The prevalence of DEBs was higher for female participants (p ≤ .001). The model explains 37% of the variance in disordered eating, 12% in IM, and 21% in HbA1c values. Body mass index, externalizing symptoms, and internalizing symptoms were significantly and positively associated with DEBs, which in turn were significantly and positively associated with HbA1c values (all p ≤ .001). Externalizing (p ≤ .001) and internalizing (p ≤ .01) symptoms were also directly associated with HbA1c values.

CONCLUSION

Given the relevant prevalence of DEBs, their significant positive association with psychopathological symptoms, and their relationship with worse diabetes outcomes, regular psychological screening and support is needed to ensure the best care of adolescents with T1D.

Correlates of disordered eating and insulin restriction behavior and its association with psychological health in Taiwanese youths with diabetes mellitus

BACKGROUND

Adolescents and young adults (AYAs) with diabetes mellitus (DM) are prone to eating disorders that may worsen metabolic control. This study investigated the clinical and behavioral correlates of disordered eating and insulin restriction (DE/IR) behavior and its association with psychological health among AYAs with DM.

METHODS

We enrolled patients with DM aged 10-30 years receiving insulin treatment in a tertiary medical center from 2019 to 2021. After obtaining informed consent, we assessed various visit-to-visit HbA1c measures indicating glycemic control, DE/IR behavior using the modified SCOFF questionnaire, weight-control practices (e.g., self-medication, induced vomiting, and over-exercising), and anxious and depressive symptoms using the Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale. Correlation and hierarchical regression analyses were applied to understand the clinical and behavioral correlates of DE/IR behavior and its association with anxiety and depression.

RESULTS

Among the 110 patients with type 1 and type 2 DM recruited, we found 17.6% restricting insulin use and 6.3% self-medicating for weight control (higher in type 2 DM than type 1 DM). Hierarchical regression analyses showed HbA1c standard deviation (odds ratio = 2.18, [95% confidence interval 1.07-4.42]), body image (1.83, [1.05-3.20]), and dieting (4.74, [1.70-13.23]) associated with DE/IR behavior. Moreover, DE/IR behavior was further associated with anxiety (1.17 [1.08-1.27]) and depression (1.12 [1.03-1.22]).

CONCLUSION

DE/IR behavior is not uncommon among AYAs with DM, particularly those with type 2 DM, and may be associated with anxiety and depressive symptoms. In addition, HbA1c variability is correlated with DE/IR behavior, and the clinical implications need further exploration.

Diabetes-specific eating disorder and possible associated psychopathologies in adolescents with type 1 diabetes mellitus

PURPOSE

It was aimed to investigate the frequency of the risk of diabetes-specific eating disorder (DSED) in adolescents with type 1 diabetes mellitus (T1DM) and to reveal the accompanying psychopathologies.

METHODS

Adolescents with T1DM aged 12-18 who applied to the pediatric diabetes outpatient clinic between July 2021 and March 2022 were included. Diabetes Eating Problem Survey-Revised (DEPS-R) was applied to all patients to determine the risk of DSED. In order to detect accompanying psychopathologies, Eating Disorder Examination Questionnaire (EDE-Q), Child Anxiety and Depression Scale-Child version (RCADS) and Parenting Style Scale were applied. After completing the scales, semi-structured interviews were conducted with all patients by a child and adolescent psychiatrist.

RESULTS

Ninety-two adolescents (45 boys, 47 girls) were included. DSED risk was found in 23.9% of the cases. A positive correlation was found between DEPS-R and EDE-Q scores (p = 0.001, rho = 0.370). RCADS mean scores were significantly higher in the group with DSED risk (p < 0.001). When the Parenting Style Scale was evaluated, psychological autonomy scores were significantly lower in the group with DSED risk (p = 0.029). As a result of the psychiatric interviews, 30 (32.6%) patients had at least 1 psychiatric disorder. Of these, 2 patients were diagnosed with eating disorder.

CONCLUSION

Almost one-fourth of adolescents with T1DM were found to be at risk of DSED. Routine screening of adolescents with T1DM with the DEPS-R scale may provide early detection of DSED, and referral of those at risk to child psychiatry enables early diagnosis and intervention for both eating disorders and accompanying psychopathologies.

LEVEL OF EVIDENCE

Level III: Evidence obtained from cohort or case-control analytic studies.

A Risk Profile for Disordered Eating Behaviors in Adolescents with Type 1 Diabetes: A Latent Class Analysis Study

(1) Background: This multi-center study aimed to identify a risk profile for disordered eating behaviors (DEBs) in youth with type 1 diabetes (T1D) based on their dietary intake, lipid profile, body mass index (BMI-SDS), and glycometabolic control. (2) Methods: Adolescents aged 11 to 18 years from five centers across Italy were recruited. Lipid profile, HbA1c, BMI-SDS, and dietary intake data were collected. The risk for developing DEBs was assessed via the Diabetes Eating Problems Survey-R (DEPS-R) questionnaire. A latent class analysis (LCA) was performed using a person-centered approach. (3) Results: Overall, 148 participants aged 11–18 (12.1, ±3.34), 52% males with a mean diabetes duration of 7.2 (±3.4), were enrolled. Based on the results of the DEBS-R score, LCA allowed us to highlight two different classes of patients which were defined as “at-risk” and “not at-risk” for DEB. The risk profile for developing DEBs is characterized by higher BMI—SDS (23.9 vs. 18.6), higher HbA1c (7.9 vs. 7.1%), higher LDL cholesterol (99.9 vs. 88.8 mg/dL), lower HDL cholesterol (57.9 vs. 61.3 mg/dL), higher proteins (18.2 vs. 16.1%), and lower carbohydrates (43.9 vs. 45.3%). Adolescents included in the “at-risk” class were significantly older (p = 0.000), and their parents’ SES was significantly lower (p = 0.041). (4) Conclusions: This study allowed us to characterize a risk profile for DEBs based on dietary behavior and clinical parameters. Early identification of the risk for DEBs allows timely intervention and prevention of behavior disorders.

Disordered Eating Behaviors and Insulin Restriction in Saudi Adolescents and Young Adults with Type 1 Diabetes

Background and Objectives: The prevalence of disordered eating behaviors (DEBs) in type 1 diabetes (T1D) has been studied globally; however, data from Saudi Arabia and Arab-speaking countries are scarce. This study aimed to measure the prevalence of DEBs and associated clinical characteristics in adolescents and young adults with T1D, and the impact of DEBs on glycemic parameters. Materials and Methods: A total of 265 adolescents and young adults with T1D (aged 12-25 years) were recruited randomly from the registry at the Jazan Endocrinology and Diabetes Center, Saudi Arabia. Participants completed the Diabetes Eating Problem Survey-Revised (DEPS-R) questionnaire. Other measures included hemoglobin A1c (HbA1c) in addition to sociodemographic, anthropometric, and clinical data. Results: The prevalence of DEBs among T1D was 27.2%. Females (32.5%) had a higher proportion of DEBs than males (18.6%) (p = 0.01). About 27% of the participants reported insulin restriction. A history of hospital admission in the previous 6 months due to DKA and frequent hypoglycemia was more frequently reported in T1D participants with DEBs compared to those without (p = 0.03). Participants with DEBs had higher HbA1c and higher BMI compared to those without DEBs. Conclusions: Adolescents and young adults with T1D with disordered eating and insulin restriction have higher glycated hemoglobin, and are at higher risk of DKA. Routine screening for DEBs should be an essential element in diabetes care, especially among highly vulnerable groups.

Emotional eating and disordered eating behaviors in children and adolescents with type 1 diabetes

Disordered eating behaviors (DEB) are more common in adolescents with type 1 diabetes (T1D) than in peers without diabetes. Emotional eating is a risk factor for binge eating in children and adolescents in the general population and is associated with increased intake of high energy-dense foods rich in sugars and fats. The primary objective is to evaluate whether emotional eating is associated with the metabolic control (glycated hemoglobin, plasma lipids and uric acid) in children and adolescents with type 1 diabetes and whether subjects with DEB (DEPS-R ≥ 20) have higher emotional eating than those without DEB. The secondary objective is to evaluate whether emotional eating is associated with the different symptoms of DEB. Emotional eating is positively correlated with HbA1c, total and LDL cholesterol values in children and adolescents with T1D. Subjects with DEB have a higher emotional eating score than subjects without DEB. Disinhibition is the most common disordered eating behavior in children and adolescents with T1D and is associated with a higher emotional eating score. Early identification and treatment of emotional eating could be tools for preventing DEB in people with type 1 diabetes. A total of 212 adolescents with T1D completed two self-administered questionnaires: the Diabetes Eating Problem Survey-Revised (DEPS-R) and the Emotional Eating Scale for Children and Adolescents (EES-C). Demographic (age, sex, duration of the disease), anthropometric (weight, height, BMI, BMI-SDS), therapeutic (type of insulin therapy, daily insulin dose) and metabolic (HbA1c, total cholesterol, HDL, LDL, triglycerides, uric acid) data were taken from the patients' medical records. The presence of other autoimmune diseases was also recorded.