Insulin restriction and associated morbidity and mortality in women with type 1 diabetes

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.

BREATHE-T1D: Using iterative mixed methods to adapt a mindfulness-based intervention for adolescents with type 1 diabetes: Design and development

BACKGROUND

Negative affect is prevalent among adolescents with type 1 diabetes (T1D) and may impact diabetes self-management and outcomes through stress-related behaviors such as disordered eating.

METHODS

We describe the development of and design for the adaptation of a mindfulness-based intervention (MBI) for adolescents with T1D and negative affect. BREATHE-T1D is an MBI designed to target negative affect that has been tailored to address the unique lived experiences of adolescents with T1D. Qualitative interviews with stakeholders and participants were used to inform iterative adaptations to the intervention and control curricula over the course of the study. The primary aim of this paper is to describe the design, development, and protocol of the present pilot feasibility trial.

CONCLUSIONS

Iterative, qualitative methodology throughout the adaptation of an intervention is important for ensuring the resulting intervention is relevant and meaningful for the target population.

CLINICAL TRIAL REGISTRATION NUMBER

NCT05268393.

Mechanisms underlying the development of eating disorders and disordered eating in adolescent females with type 1 diabetes

OBJECTIVE

People with Type 1 diabetes (T1D) face an increased risk of eating disorders/disordered eating (ED/DE), with adolescents being particularly vulnerable. Empirical knowledge on the mechanisms underlying development of ED/DE in T1D is crucial for evolving prevention strategies.

RESEARCH DESIGN AND METHODS

Fourteen semi-structured interviews with adolescent females with T1D and ED/DE between 14 and 18 years were conducted and analyzed using reflexive thematic analysis.

RESULTS

Analyses identified four main themes; 'Interconnected afflictions', 'Judgment', 'Feeling Different', and 'Chaos & Control', These themes explore the interconnectedness of T1D and ED/DE, with shame and guilt emerging as common underlying mechanism. The development of a biopsychosocial model was based on the integration of these data with existing models.

CONCLUSIONS

The study extends previous developmental pathways of ED/DE in adolescents with T1D. We propose a biopsychosocial model that incorporates various factors: predisposing factors such as parental management of T1D and weight gain during adolescence; precipitating factors including comments on weight, frequency of weighing, perceptions of surveillance; the perpetuating bilateral influence of ED/DE and T1D and finally highlighting the protective mechanisms of disease acceptance encompassing parental handling of diagnosis and the contribution of healthcare professionals (HCP's) role in psychoeducation. The present study highlight the vulnerability of adolescence in the presence of T1D, particularly concerning issues related to eating, weight, and body. It offers clinically relevant insights, with the aim to improve communication and management strategies for this very specific group.

Profiles of disordered eating behaviour in type 1 diabetes using the DEPS-R and behaviour and glycaemic outcomes in a real-life setting

AIMS

The Diabetes Eating Problems Survey - Revised (DEPS-R) is commonly used to assess disordered eating behaviour (DEB) in individuals with type 1 diabetes and has advantages compared to other measures not specifically tailored to diabetes. A score ≥20 on the DEPS-R is used to indicate clinically significant DEB; however, it does not distinguish between eating disorder (ED) phenotypes necessary to guide treatment decisions, limiting clinical utility.

METHODS

The current study used latent class analysis to identify distinct person-centred profiles of DEB in adults with type 1 diabetes using the DEPS-R. Analysis of Variance with Games Howell post-hoc comparisons was then conducted to examine the correspondence between the profiles and binge eating, insulin restriction and glycaemic control (HbA1c, mean blood glucose, and percent time spent in hyperglycaemia) during 3 days of assessment in a real-life setting.

RESULTS

Latent class analysis indicated a 4-class solution, with patterns of item endorsement suggesting the following profiles: Bulimia, Binge Eating, Overeating and Low Pathology. Differences in binge eating, insulin restriction and glycaemic control were observed between profiles during 3 days of at-home assessment. The Bulimia profile was associated with highest HbA1c and 3-day mean blood glucose.

CONCLUSIONS

There are common patterns of responses on the DEPS-R that appear to reflect different ED phenotypes. Profiles based on the DEPS-R corresponded with behaviour in the real-life setting as expected and were associated with different glycaemic outcomes. Results may have implications for the use of the DEPS-R in research and clinical settings.

A cognitive behavioural model of the bidirectional relationship between disordered eating and diabetes self care in adult men with Type 1 diabetes mellitus

AIMS

This qualitative study aimed to develop the first cognitive behavioural (CBT) model outlining the development and maintenance of disordered eating in adult men living with Type 1 diabetes to improve on previous theoretical models of Type 1 diabetes and disordered eating and to draw comparisons to women with Type 1 diabetes and disordered eating.

METHODS

Twenty-seven men (n = 16 with Type 1 diabetes and disordered eating, n = 11 with Type 1 diabetes without disordered eating) participated in semi-structured interviews. Data were analysed using thematic analysis and individual CBT formulations were developed for each participant to inform the model.

RESULTS

Men with Type 1 diabetes and disordered eating experience negative thoughts about food, insulin, weight/shape and diabetes itself, which cause negative emotions such as fear and vulnerability and difficulties with diabetes self care such as problems with hyper and hypoglycaemia and problems accessing structured education and technology result in men feeling more dissatisfied about their body weight/shape.

CONCLUSIONS

This CBT model of disordered eating in men with Type 1 diabetes can guide new interventions.

Disordered Eating Behaviors Among Adolescents and Young Adults with Type 1 Diabetes Treated with Insulin Pumps and Hybrid Closed-Loop Systems

Background and Aims: Disordered eating behaviors (DEB) are more common among individuals with type 1 diabetes (T1D) compared to those without, and for insulin pump users may be associated with higher hemoglobin A1c (HbA1c). We investigated DEB risk factors among insulin pump-treated individuals with T1D and clinical characteristics of hybrid closed-loop (HCL) systems' users by DEB level. Methods: An observational, cross-sectional study of 167 insulin pump-treated individuals with T1D, 13-21 years of age. Data were obtained from patients' medical charts with additional self-reported questionnaires, including assessment of DEB. Results: DEB were found in 71 (42.5%) individuals, and positively associated with female sex (β = 2.98 [standard error (SE) = 1.31], P = 0.025), body mass index (BMI)-Z-score (β = 2.12 [SE = 0.64], P = 0.001), HbA1c (β = 1.40 [SE = 0.45], P = 0.02), and higher rate of pump discontinuation (β = 4.48 [SE = 1.99], P = 0.026). The use of HCL systems compared to insulin pumps was associated with higher BMI-Z-score (odds ratio [OR]: 3.46 [95% confidence interval, CI: 1.52-7.87], P = 0.003) and tendency to lower HbA1c level (OR: 0.44 [95% CI: 0.18-1.09], P = 0.078) among individuals without DEB, and with lower HbA1c level (OR: 0.29 [95% CI: 0.10-0.83], P = 0.022) and higher socioeconomic status (OR: 1.73 [95% CI: 1.09-2.74], P = 0.020) among individuals with DEB. Conclusions: DEB are common among individuals with T1D treated with insulin pumps and are associated with higher HbA1c levels. Among T1D individuals with DEB, HCL system use is associated with lower HbA1c compared to insulin pump treatment. Our findings highlight the importance of regular screening for DEB and its risk factors to improve pump treatment and diabetes management. Moreover, individuals with DEB using HCL systems may benefit from reduced HbA1c levels.

Protocol for the STEADY intervention for type 1 diabetes and disordered eating: Safe management of people with Type 1 diabetes and EAting Disorders studY

This paper describes the protocol to test the feasibility of the Safe management of people with Type 1 diabetes and EAting Disorders studY (STEADY) intervention. STEADY is a novel complex intervention for people with type 1 diabetes and disordered eating (T1DE) of mild to moderate severity. The STEADY intervention integrates cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT) with diabetes education, and was developed using Experience-Based Co-Design. METHODS: The feasibility of STEADY will be tested using a randomised controlled feasibility trial. Forty adults with T1DE will be recruited and randomised into the STEADY intervention or treatment as usual control group. We will collect demographic, biomedical and psychometric data, routine glucose metrics and conduct the Structured Clinical Interview for DSM-5. Participants randomised to the STEADY intervention will receive 12 STEADY therapy sessions with a diabetes specialist nurse trained in CBT, delivered via videoconference and an optional smartphone app. The main outcome at 6 months will be the feasibility of STEADY (recruitment, dropout rates, feasibility of delivery). The secondary outcomes are biomedical (HbA1c and glucose time in range) and psychological (person-reported outcome measures in disordered eating, diabetes distress, depression and anxiety). A process evaluation will evaluate the fidelity, feasibility, acceptability and appropriateness of STEADY, and participant experiences. ETHICS AND DISSEMINATION: The protocol was approved by the East of England-Essex Research Ethics Committee (21/EE/0235). Study findings will be shared with study participants and disseminated through peer-reviewed publications and conference presentations.

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.

A pilot study of a virtually delivered dissonance-based eating disorder prevention program for young women with type 1 diabetes: within-subject changes over 6-month follow-up

INTRODUCTION

In an uncontrolled study, we previously demonstrated the feasibility and preliminary efficacy of our virtual diabetes-specific version (Diabetes Body Project) of the eating disorder (ED) prevention program the Body Project. The aim of the current study was to evaluate further this program for women with type 1 diabetes (T1D) by assessing within-subject changes in outcomes from pretest over 6-month follow-up.

METHODS

Young women with T1D aged 16-35 years were invited to participate in Diabetes Body Project groups. A total of 35 participants were allocated to five Diabetes Body Project groups (six meetings over 6 weeks). Primary outcome measures included ED risk factors and symptoms, and secondary outcomes included three T1D-specific constructs previously found to be associated with ED pathology: glycemic control as measured by HbA1c level, diabetes distress, and illness perceptions.

RESULTS

Within-subject reductions, with medium-to-large effect sizes, were observed for the primary (ED pathology, body dissatisfaction, thin-ideal internalization, and appearance ideals and pressures) and secondary outcomes (within-condition Cohen's ds ranged from .34 to 1.70).

CONCLUSION

The virtual Diabetes Body Project appears to be a promising intervention worthy of more rigorous evaluation. A randomized controlled trial with at least a 1-year follow-up is warranted to determine its efficacy compared to a control condition.

5. Facilitating Positive Health Behaviors and Well-being to Improve Health Outcomes: Standards of Care in Diabetes-2024

The American Diabetes Association (ADA) "Standards of Care in Diabetes" includes the ADA's current clinical practice recommendations and is intended to provide the components of diabetes care, general treatment goals and guidelines, and tools to evaluate quality of care. Members of the ADA Professional Practice Committee, an interprofessional expert committee, are responsible for updating the Standards of Care annually, or more frequently as warranted. For a detailed description of ADA standards, statements, and reports, as well as the evidence-grading system for ADA's clinical practice recommendations and a full list of Professional Practice Committee members, please refer to Introduction and Methodology. Readers who wish to comment on the Standards of Care are invited to do so at professional.diabetes.org/SOC.

Renal failure following insulin purging in atypical anorexia nervosa and type 1 diabetes mellitus

Objective

Anorexia nervosa (AN) and atypical anorexia nervosa (AAN) are severe and complex eating disorders that can be prevalent among individuals with type 1 diabetes mellitus (T1DM). Insulin purging, characterized by the intentional underuse / omission of insulin to control weight, is under-recognized in medicine and is a purging strategy of patients with AN or AAN and comorbid T1DM. Often, this can lead to renal failure, necessitating a (pancreas-) kidney transplantation. This article presents a comprehensive overview of the interplay between AN/AAN and T1DM and summarizes the evidence in literature.

Methods

A narrative review is presented on basis of a detailed case study of a 32-year-old female with end-stage renal failure seeking (pancreas-) kidney transplantation displaying etiology, diagnosis, comorbidities, complications, and treatment of AN and AAN with emphasis on those patients with T1DM.

Results

Insulin purging in patients with AN/AAN and coexisting T1DM can exacerbate T1DM complications, including accelerating the onset of end-stage renal failure. A multidisciplinary approach including nutrition treatment and psychotherapeutic techniques was considered necessary for treatment, focusing on psychosomatic in-patient care before and after organ transplantation.

Conclusion

Insulin purging in patients with AAN and T1DM poses severe health risks, including accelerated renal complications. For those considering transplantation, insulin purging has explicitly to be diagnosed and a holistic treatment addressing both the renal condition and psychosomatic symptoms/disorders is crucial for successful post-transplant outcomes.

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.

A scoping review exploring the role of the dietitian in the identification and management of eating disorders and disordered eating in adolescents and adults with type 1 diabetes mellitus

BACKGROUND

Eating disorder diagnoses and disordered eating behaviours are more prevalent in people living with Type 1 Diabetes Mellitus, in particular in adolescents. The role of the dietitian in this setting is not clearly outlined in the literature.

AIM

This scoping review aims to outline the available information for the role of the dietitian in identifying and managing eating disorders in adolescents and adults with co-occurring Type 1 Diabetes Mellitus (T1DM) in a clinical setting.

METHODS

The Johanna Briggs Institute was utilised to guide this scoping review and to develop a search strategy for relevant databases. Relevant organisations and societies websites and professional magazines were reviewed as part of the grey literature search.

RESULTS

38 peer reviewed journal articles, 5 professional articles, 5 book chapters and 11 clinical guidelines were included in this scoping review. Roles for the dietitian in identification, prevention and screening for eating disorders in Type 1 Diabetes Mellitus were identified and outlined in a visual workflow. The role of the dietitian in the management of eating disorder in both the outpatient/community and inpatient setting and as core member of the multidisciplinary team was detailed in the literature.

CONCLUSION

This scoping review mapped the available information in the current literature on the role of the dietitian in the identification and management of eating disorders and disordered eating in adolescents and adults with a dual diagnosis of T1DM. The reviewed literature suggests there is a strong reliance on expert opinion and practice to inform the role of the dietitian. Further research is required in order to ensure more robust evidence-based practice in this area.

The emerging role of digital health in the management of asthma

The most common reasons seen for lack of asthma control include misconceptions about disease control, low controller treatment adherence, poor inhaler technique, and the resulting underuse of controllers and overuse of short-acting beta2 agonists (SABAs). Narrowing these care gaps may be achieved through well-designed patient education that considers the patient's motivation, beliefs, and capabilities regarding their asthma and its management and empowers the patient to become an active participant in treatment decisions. Digital health technologies (DHTs) and digital therapeutic (DT) devices provide new opportunities to monitor treatment behaviors, improve communication between healthcare providers and patients, and generate data that inform educational interactions. DHT and DT have been proven effective in enhancing patient self-management in other chronic conditions, particularly diabetes. Accelerated integration of DHT and DT into the management of asthma patients is facilitated by the use of digital inhalers that employ sensor technology ("smart" inhalers). These devices efficiently provide real-time feedback on controller adherence, SABA use, and inhaler technique that have the strong potential to optimize asthma control.

Disordered eating behaviours in adolescents with type 1 diabetes can be influenced by their weight at diagnosis and rapid weight gain subsequently

AIMS

To assess the prevalence and disease-related risk factors for disordered eating behaviours among adolescents with type 1 diabetes and also to search for risk factors at disease diagnosis that can predict the development of disordered eating behaviours.

METHODS

A retrospective observational study of 291 adolescents aged 15-19 years with type 1 diabetes who completed the Diabetes Eating Problem Survey-Revised (DEPS-R) as is routine in our diabetes clinic. The prevalence of disordered eating behaviours and risk factors for their development was assessed.

RESULTS

In 84 (28.9%) adolescents, disordered eating behaviours were found. Disordered eating behaviours were positively associated with female sex (β = 3.01 [SE = 0.97], p = 0.002), higher BMI-Z score (β = 2.08 [SE = 0.49], p < 0.001), higher HbA1c (β = 0.19 [SE = 0.03], p < 0.001) and treatment with multiple daily injections of insulin (β = 2.19 [SE = 1.02], p = 0.032). At type 1 diabetes diagnosis, higher BMI-Z score (β = 1.54 [SE = 0.63], p = 0.016) for those diagnosed before age 13 years and increased weight gain at 3 months post-diagnosis (β = 0.88 [SE = 0.25], p = 0.001) in females diagnosed at age 13 years or older were found to be risk factors for disordered eating behaviours.

CONCLUSIONS

Disordered eating behaviours are common among adolescents with type 1 diabetes and are associated with various parameters, including BMI at diagnosis and the rate of weight gain at 3 months post-diagnosis in females. Our findings highlight the need for early preventive efforts for disordered eating behaviours and interventions to avoid late diabetes complications.

Diabulimia: A Risky Trend Among Adults with Type 1 Diabetes Mellitus

OBJECTIVE

Poor adherence leads to worse glycemic control and increased complications in patients with type 1 diabetes mellitus (T1DM). Diabulimia characterizes patients with T1DM who skip or use less insulin for weight loss purposes. The study objectives were to determine: (1) the prevalence of diabulimia among adult patients with T1DM, (2) compare patients with and without diabulimia, and (3) identify factors that may place individuals at higher risk of diabulimia.

METHODS

A 40-item, web-based survey was administered to 21 T1DM discussion boards, Listservs, and social media outlets. The survey assessed demographics, diabetes management, psychiatric diagnoses, and screened for diabulimia. Individuals who reported intentionally skipping or using less insulin than directed for the purpose of weight loss or to prevent weight gain in the past 12 months were classified as having diabulimia.

RESULTS

Of the 225 participants who completed the survey, 8.9% had diabulimia. Patients with diabulimia had elevated hemoglobin A1C (A1C) levels (8.4% vs 6.9%; P = .014), higher rates of a diabetes-related emergency department visits or hospitalization (30.0% vs 13.2%; P = .042), and higher rates of a major depressive disorder diagnosis (40.0% vs 11.5%; P < .001) than patients without diabulimia. Factors associated with diabulimia included high A1C levels (odds ratio, 1.43; 95% CI [1.08-1.91]; P = .014) and a major depressive disorder diagnosis (odds ratio, 4.87; 95% CI [1.31-18.22]; P = .018).

CONCLUSION

Approximately 1 in 11 adult patients with T1DM screened positive for diabulimia. Higher A1C levels and a diagnosis of major depressive disorder were associated with diabulimia.

Depression, anxiety, eating problems, and diabulimia risk in adolescents with type 1 diabetes: a case-control study

OBJECTIVES

Type 1 diabetes (T1D) causes psychological distress, negatively impacting normal childhood activities. Depression, anxiety disorders, and eating problems are commonly observed in this population.

METHODS

The study population consisted of 40 adolescents (22 females and 18 males) who had been diagnosed with T1D and 41 healthy adolescents (21 females and 20 males). The aim of this study was to compare adolescents with T1D to healthy controls in terms of depression, anxiety, and eating problems and subsequently examine the T1D group in relation to the risk of diabetes-specific eating disorders. Eating Attitudes Test (EAT-40), Revised Children's Anxiety and Depression Scale (RCADS), and Diabetes Eating Problem Survey - Revised (DEPS-R) scales were used to compare the case and control groups.

RESULTS

The case group exhibited significantly higher scores in EAT-40 total score, RCADS parent form major depressive disorder (MDD), social anxiety disorder (SAD), generalized anxiety disorder (GAD), panic disorder (PD), total anxiety score, total scale scores, RCADS child form MDD, PD, and total scale scores compared to the control group. Individuals at high risk of diabetes-specific eating disorder within the case group demonstrated significantly higher RCADS (child and parent form) MDD scores and RCADS parent form separation anxiety (SA) and total scale scores. Binary logistic regression analysis revealed that the RCADS parent form total scale score could predict DEPS-R.

CONCLUSIONS

Routine screening of children and adolescents diagnosed with T1D for depression, anxiety, and eating disorder risk may facilitate early detection of possible psychopathologies, allowing for early intervention to address factors that may disrupt treatment adherence. Further longitudinal studies with larger samples are needed to investigate psychopathologies, particularly eating disorders, in children and adolescents with T1D.

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.

Characteristics of carbohydrate counting practice associated with adequacy of glycated hemoglobin in adults with type 1 diabetes mellitus in Brazil

Background

The Carbohydrate Counting (CC) is directly associated with achieving glycemic control by people with Type 1 Diabetes Mellitus (T1DM). Therefore, this study aims to analyze characteristics of the CC practice associated with the adequacy of glycated hemoglobin (HbA1c) in adults with T1DM in Brazil.

Methods

The study was cross-sectional, carried out using an online form with questions about knowledge of CC, clinical, anthropometric, sociodemographic data, follow-up with health professionals and understanding of the concepts of CC. Pearson's chi-square test and binomial logistic regression analysis (p<0.05) were applied.

Results

173 adults participated, of which 57.2% had increased HbA1c (≥7%). Having the diabetes duration <10 years (p=0.006), performing the CC at lunch (p=0.040) and dinner (p=0.018), using specific applications to perform the CC (p=0.001), having learned to perform CC with a nutritionist (p=0.037) and knowing how to correctly define the concepts of food bolus (p=0.001), correction bolus (p<0.001) and insulin/carbohydrate ratio (p<0.001) was associated with having adequate HbA1c (<7%). Participants who were undergoing CC practice were 3.273 times more likely to have adequate HbA1c and participants with diabetes duration <10 years were 2.686 times more likely to have adequate HbA1c.

Conclusion

It was concluded that variables transversal to CC favor adequate HbA1c values in adults with T1DM and that practicing CC and having a diabetes duration of less than 10 years are predictive factors of having adequate HbA1c.

Health Professionals' Experiences Supporting People With Type 1 Diabetes Mellitus Who Deliberately Restrict and/or Omit Insulin for Weight, Shape, and/or Appearance: A Meta-synthesis

OBJECTIVES

It has been reported that health professionals currently lack the required empathy, understanding, and knowledge about the deliberate restriction and/or omission of insulin to influence weight and/or shape, which may impact the quality of care provided. We sought to synthesize existing qualitative research pertaining to health professionals' experiences supporting individuals within this unique population.

METHODS

We conducted a meta-synthesis using a meta-aggregative approach. We searched 5 electronic databases. Eligible articles were qualitative or mixed-methods empirical studies with primary data reporting health professionals' experiences supporting people with type 1 diabetes restricting and/or omitting insulin for weight and/or shape control, written in English, from database inception to March 2022.

RESULTS

A final sample of 4 primary studies were included. The analysis indicated that in the absence of standardized screening and diagnostic tools, health professionals found it challenging to decide when behaviour became clinically significant. Health professionals were also challenged by complex perceptions and behaviours relating to their illness management and features of broader health-care systems and organizational factors.

CONCLUSIONS

Our findings have widespread multidisciplinary implications for health professionals and the broader health-care systems in which they work. We provide evidence-based clinical recommendations and suggestions for vital future research.

The misuse of insulin by males with Type 1 Diabetes Mellitus for weight and/or shape control: a systematic scoping review

Background

Insulin restriction and/or omission in Type 1 Diabetes Mellitus (T1DM) is a risky disordered eating behaviour increasingly reported in the literature. Most existing literature has focused on females with T1DM. Previous research, however, suggests disordered eating behaviours are over-represented in males with T1DM versus males without T1DM. This systematic scoping review sought to summarise the existing literature to contribute to the development of an understanding of males' misuse of insulin for weight and/or shape control.

Methods

A systematic scoping review methodology was used. We searched six electronic databases. Eligible articles were quantitative, qualitative, or mixed methods empirical studies with primary data on the restriction and/or omission of insulin for weight and/or shape control among males, written in English from database inception to December 2021.

Results

A final sample of 56 articles was included (48 quantitative, six qualitative and two mixed methods). Where it was reported to occur, estimates of the behaviour ranged from 5 to 75% in females and 1.4% to 76% in males. In 12 studies examining sex differences, only three reported higher prevalence in females. Understandings about the behavioural context of the behaviour were hampered by lack of qualitative research (n = 4 studies).

Conclusion

Despite common preconceptions, this disordered eating behaviour appears to occur similarly in males and females. The findings shed light on areas for future research, including aetiology in males and the need for longitudinal and qualitative research. Clinical recommendations include being alert to the possibility of this behaviour in males with Type 1 Diabetes Mellitus and the need for health professionals to use open-ended questions to explore current and past deliberate restriction and/or omission of insulin among their patients.

Supplementary Information

The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1007/s40200-022-01151-8.

Validation of the traditional Chinese version of the diabetes eating problem survey-revised and study of the prevalence of disordered eating patterns in Chinese patients with type 1 DM

BACKGROUND

Disordered eating behaviours (DEBs) in patients with type 1 diabetes mellitus (T1DM) are associated with an increased risk of complications and mortality. The Diabetes Eating Problem Survey-Revised (DEPS-R) was developed to screen for DEBs in T1DM patients. The objectives of this study were to develop a traditional Chinese version DEPS-R (electronic version) and to measure the prevalence of DEBs in a local population sample.

METHODS

The DEPS-R was translated into traditional Chinese, modified and developed into an electronic version. The psychometric properties of the C-DEPS-R were tested on T1DM patients from 15 to 64 years old. The factor structure of the traditional C-DEPS-R was examined by confirmatory factor analysis (CFA). The C-EDE-Q and the C-DES-20 were used for convergent and divergent validity testing, respectively. Module H of the CB-SCID-I/P was used as a diagnostic tool for eating disorders. A correlation study was conducted with the C-DEPS-R scores obtained and the clinical characteristics. Type 2 diabetic (T2DM) patients on insulin treatment were recruited as controls.

RESULTS

In total, 228 T1DM patients and 58 T2DM patients were recruited. There was good internal consistency of the traditional C-DEPS-R (electronic version), with the McDonald's omega of 0.825 and test-retest reliability of 0.991. A three-factor model of the traditional C-DEPS-R was confirmed by CFA. The cut-off score for the traditional C-DEPS-R was determined to be 24; 13.2% (95% CI 8.8%-17.5%) of T1DM patients were found to score above the cut-off score, while 7.5% (95% CI 4-10.9%) scored above the cut-off by the C-EDE-Q, and 4.4% (95% CI 2.1%-7.9%) were diagnosed with eating disorders by the CB-SCID-I/P Module H. Females with T1DM scored higher on the traditional C-DEPS-R. There was a significant correlation of the C-DEPS-R with BMI, occurrence of DKA, use of a continuous glucose monitoring system and positive diagnosis by the CB-SCID-I/P module H (p < 0.05).

CONCLUSION

The traditional Chinese-DEPS-R (electronic version) demonstrated good psychometric properties. It is a self-rated, time-efficient and reliable tool for the screening of disordered eating behaviours in T1DM patients in the Chinese population of Hong Kong. Disordered eating behaviours, such as insulin omission, are associated with an increased risk of diabetes mellitus-related complications and mortality. Generic screening tools for eating disorders may over- or underestimate such problems in diabetic patients. Type 1 diabetes mellitus patients are at particular risk of developing disordered eating behaviours or eating disorders, yet studies in Chinese populations are limited. This study developed and validated the traditional Chinese (electronic) version of the Diabetes Eating Problem Survey-Revised (DEPS-R). The traditional Chinese-DEPS-R is a self-rated, time-efficient and reliable tool for the screening of disordered eating behaviours in Type 1 diabetes mellitus patients in the Chinese population of Hong Kong. The study also estimated the prevalence of disordered eating behaviours in diabetic patients from the local Chinese population, and the clinical correlations of the symptoms and clinical parameters were explored. The study reflected a higher prevalence of eating problems in the Type 1 diabetes mellitus population and demonstrated significant correlations of eating problems with BMI as well as the occurrence of diabetic ketoacidosis. Correspondence: lcw891@ha.org.hk.

Formative Development of a Weight Management Intervention for Adolescents with Type 1 Diabetes Mellitus and Obesity

The prevalence of overweight and obesity in youth with type 1 diabetes mellitus (T1D) now exceeds that of youth without T1D. Comorbid T1D and excess adiposity are associated with multiple serious negative health outcomes. Unfortunately, youth with T1D are often excluded from and/or not referred to standard behavioral lifestyle interventions. This is often attributed to the complexities of managing T1D and an effort not to overburden persons who have T1D. Furthermore, standard behavioral weight management intervention recommendations can be perceived as contradicting T1D disease management (e.g., removing sugar-sweetened beverages from diet, energy balance with exercise, and caloric restriction). A weight management intervention specifically designed for youth with T1D is needed to provide treatment to youth with comorbid T1D and overweight/obesity. The current study interviewed adolescents with T1D and overweight/obesity (n = 12), their caregivers (n = 12), and pediatric endocrinologists (n = 9) to understand (a) whether they would be interested in a weight management intervention adapted for youth with T1D and (b) specific adaptations they would want and need. Five central themes emerged following applied thematic analysis: (1) program content, (2) programmatic messaging, (3) program structure, (4) social support, and (5) eating disorder risk. Results provide detailed recommendations for the adaptation of a behavioral weight management intervention for youth with T1D.

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.

Patients' perspectives on screening for disordered eating among adolescents with type 1 diabetes

PURPOSE

People with type 1 diabetes have an increased risk of disordered eating (DE) and eating disorders (ED). Screening is recommended however little is known about patients' perspectives on screening questionnaires. This paper reports qualitative analyses of patients' perspectives on the questionnaire Diabetes Eating Problem Survey Revised (DEPS-R), including acceptability, attitudes, and cognitive understanding.

RESEARCH DESIGN AND METHODS

15 adolescents with type 1 diabetes between 11 and 18 years, were interviewed. A semi-structured format and a qualitative Interpretive Descriptive (ID) methodology was chosen.

RESULTS

The analyses identified four themes: (1) The Questionnaire, (2) Reframing Diabetes Visits, (3) This is (not) for me, and (4) Out in the Open. The DEPS-R was completed with-in 5-10 min. with no technical difficulties. The questionnaire altered the diabetes visit for some, creating a new dialog, and time for self-reflection. Adolescents appreciated the direct approach in the questionnaire, and showed willingness to complete the questionnaire, when presented to them by a health care professional (HCP). One item in the DEPS-R proved difficult to understand for some participants.

CONCLUSION

The study highlights DEPS-R as a clinically relevant screening questionnaire. Completing DEPS-R prior to a consultation opens the door to a consultation that invites the adolescent to address matters of eating behavior. Our findings suggest that systematic screening of DE/ED using the DEPS-R is both accepted and welcomed by adolescents with type 1 diabetes. Future research should focus on a potential update of selected items in DEPS-R.

LEVEL OF EVIDENCE

V - qualitative study.

Associations of disordered eating with the intestinal microbiota and short-chain fatty acids among young adults with type 1 diabetes

BACKGROUND AND AIMS

Disordered eating (DE) in type 1 diabetes (T1D) includes insulin restriction for weight loss with serious complications. Gut microbiota-derived short chain fatty acids (SCFA) may benefit host metabolism but are reduced in T1D. We evaluated the hypothesis that DE and insulin restriction were associated with reduced SCFA-producing gut microbes, SCFA, and intestinal microbial diversity in adults with T1D.

METHODS AND RESULTS

We collected stool samples at four timepoints in a hypothesis-generating gut microbiome pilot study ancillary to a weight management pilot in young adults with T1D. 16S ribosomal RNA gene sequencing measured the normalized abundance of SCFA-producing intestinal microbes. Gas-chromatography mass-spectrometry measured SCFA (total, acetate, butyrate, and propionate). The Diabetes Eating Problem Survey-Revised (DEPS-R) assessed DE and insulin restriction. Covariate-adjusted and Bonferroni-corrected generalized estimating equations modeled the associations. COVID-19 interrupted data collection, so models were repeated restricted to pre-COVID-19 data. Data were available for 45 participants at 109 visits, which included 42 participants at 65 visits pre-COVID-19. Participants reported restricting insulin "At least sometimes" at 53.3% of visits. Pre-COVID-19, each 5-point DEPS-R increase was associated with a -0.34 (95% CI -0.56, -0.13, p = 0.07) lower normalized abundance of genus Anaerostipes; and the normalized abundance of Lachnospira genus was -0.94 (95% CI -1.5, -0.42), p = 0.02 lower when insulin restriction was reported "At least sometimes" compared to "Rarely or Never".

CONCLUSION

DE and insulin restriction were associated with a reduced abundance of SCFA-producing gut microbes pre-COVID-19. Additional studies are needed to confirm these associations to inform microbiota-based therapies in T1D.

Validation of the Arabic Version of Diabetes Eating Problem Survey-Revised (DEPS-R) among Adolescents with Type 1 Diabetes

Disordered eating behaviors (DEBs) in type 1 diabetes (T1D) have been studied globally in different age groups. However, there is no validated diabetes-specific questionnaire in the Arabic language for the screening of DEBs. This study aimed to translate the Diabetes Eating Problem Survey-Revised scale (DEPS-R) into the Arabic language and study its psychometric properties in adolescents with T1D. We adopted the forward-backward procedure to translate the DEPS-R questionnaire into Arabic. The validation study enrolled 258 Saudi adolescents with T1D aged 12-18 years who completed the Arabic DEPS-R questionnaire and the EAT-26. The Arabic DEPS-R showed good construct validity and reliability (Cronbach's alpha = 0.86). The factor analysis revealed a three-factor structure of DEPS-R which explains 54.4 % of the variance. In total, 30.6% of the participants are at high risk for DEBs (DEPS-R score ≥ 20). The psychometric properties of the Arabic DEPS-R are satisfactory, consistent with the original scale and translations in other languages. These results support the validity of the Arabic DEPS-R for assessment of DEBs in the T1D Arabic population.

5. Facilitating Positive Health Behaviors and Well-being to Improve Health Outcomes: Standards of Care in Diabetes-2023

The American Diabetes Association (ADA) "Standards of Care in Diabetes" includes the ADA's current clinical practice recommendations and is intended to provide the components of diabetes care, general treatment goals and guidelines, and tools to evaluate quality of care. Members of the ADA Professional Practice Committee, a multidisciplinary expert committee, are responsible for updating the Standards of Care annually, or more frequently as warranted. For a detailed description of ADA standards, statements, and reports, as well as the evidence-grading system for ADA's clinical practice recommendations and a full list of Professional Practice Committee members, please refer to Introduction and Methodology. Readers who wish to comment on the Standards of Care are invited to do so at professional.diabetes.org/SOC.

Prevalence of mental disorders in people living with type 1 diabetes: A systematic literature review and meta-analysis

OBJECTIVE

Type 1 diabetes is associated with increased prevalence of individual categories of mental disorders. We aimed to systematically synthesise the prevalence of all the different categories of mental disorders to estimate the overall burden of psychiatric morbidity in the type 1 diabetes population.

METHOD

The electronic database of OVID was searched, and retrieved papers were screened for eligibility by two independent reviewers. Data were extracted using a standardised data extraction form and the quality of included papers was assessed. Where possible, comparisons with control groups without type 1 diabetes were made. Prevalence data were synthesised into Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders version 5 categories, a narrative data-synthesis, and a subsequent meta-analysis where possible was conducted for mental disorder categories.

RESULTS

Thirty-eight articles were included. Depressive, anxiety, and feeding and eating disorders were the most examined mental disorders. Studies utilising diagnostic interviews reported higher prevalence of mental disorders than in studies utilising clinical registers, with an up to 24-fold difference respectively. In studies with a control group, the prevalence for nearly every mental disorder were increased for the type 1 diabetes samples.

CONCLUSIONS

There appears to be a high prevalence of mental disorders and associated need among people with type 1 diabetes, although the quality of research needs to improve.

SYSTEMATIC REVIEW REGISTRATION

This protocol was submitted for registration with the International Prospective Register of Systematic Reviews (PROSPERO) (CRD42020221530).

An integrative model as a step toward increasing the awareness of eating disorders in the general population

Eating disorders (EDs) represent a contradictory chapter of clinical psychiatry, i.e., although they are associated with significant prevalence and risks in the long term (including vital risk, especially for anorexia nervosa), the therapeutic resources are minimal and based on low-quality data. Another contradiction arose in the last few decades, i.e., a variety of new EDs have been described, either by clinicians or signaled by mass media, but their systematic exploration is progressing very slowly. Entities like "food addiction," "orthorexia nervosa," or "emotional eating disorder" still require intensive exploration in order to find the most accurate diagnostic instruments, diagnosis criteria, prevalence data, vulnerability factors, and therapeutic approaches. This article is focused on integrating into a comprehensive model a variety of EDs not specified or loosely defined by the current international classifications of psychiatric disorders. This framework is intended as an instrument for stimulating clinical and epidemiological research, with potential favorable consequences for therapeutic research. The dimensional model suggested here includes four main categories that accommodate the already recognized EDs (i.e., anorexia nervosa, bulimia nervosa, and binge eating disorder) as well as ten EDs that still need intensive research to find their clinical and pathophysiological characteristics. More good-quality studies are urgently required regarding this topic, based on the mental and physical negative impact these EDs may have in the short and long term, especially in vulnerable populations (e.g., pregnant women, athletes, adolescents, etc.).

A thematic analysis of YouTube comments on a television documentary titled 'Diabulimia: The World's most dangerous eating disorder'

AIM

Omitting insulin for fear of weight gain is a type of disordered eating (also labelled as diabulimia) common in type 1 diabetes (T1D) and is associated with a worse biomedical prognosis but is not a formally recognised condition. This research explored the public's opinion of diabulimia as a condition as presented in a television documentary.

METHODS

We conducted a coding reliability thematic analysis using NVivo software of the original comments to a YouTube documentary 'Diabulimia: The World's Most Dangerous Eating Disorder' between 24 September 2017 and 16 June 2020.

RESULTS

Of 1424 original comments, 1264 were eligible and uploaded into NVivo 12. The commenters were people with T1D, family and friends, health care professionals, and the wider public who collectively had questions, personal stories and/or opinions. Three main themes were discerned: lack of awareness of diabulimia as a condition; the importance of support; diabulimia as a psychiatric condition in the diabetes setting.

CONCLUSION

This analysis of social media comments found that there is a lack of awareness of diabulimia amongst patients, their families and friends, and healthcare professionals and that there were many commenters who had the experience of disordered eating with T1D. This study has reported on themes that suggest there may be an eating disorder specifically in people with T1D and that further work is needed to understand the diagnostic criteria for diabulimia in order to develop effective treatments.

Disordered eating and behaviors among young Egyptians with type 1 diabetes: risk factors and comorbidities

OBJECTIVES

The study aimed to assess occurrence of eating disorders and its nature, associated risk factors, and comorbidities in a cohort of adolescents with type 1 diabetes (T1D).

METHODS

In this cross-sectional study, 138 patients were recruited to complete three questionnaires for assessment of eating disorder (ED); Eating Attitude Test (EAT-26) and Eat Behavior questionnaire (ORTO-15) and Eating Disorder Examination Questionnaire version 6 (EDE-Q6) to assess diabetes-related medical outcomes.

RESULTS

Patients were categorized as having an ED according to predetermined cutoff value for each questionnaire. Of the 138 patients, 24 (17.4%) had risk for EDs by EAT-26 score, 53 (38.4%) have got orthorexia nervosa by ORTO-15 and 45 (32.6%) were having a disordered eating behavior by EDE-Q6. Patients with risk of EDs had lower mean ORTO-15 score (p=0.01), and higher mean Global EDE-Q6 (p<0.001). A positive correlation was found between EAT-26 scores and both age (p<0.0001) and body mass index (p<0.0001). ORTO-15 score was correlated with duration of diabetes (p=0.0418). Diabetic ketoacidosis, peripheral neuropathy, and microalbuminuria occurred frequently in patients with ED high score. Hypoglycemic episodes were reported more in those with high EAT-26 or Global EDE-Q6 scores.

CONCLUSIONS

Subclinical EDs and abnormal eating behaviors are common in Egyptian adolescents with T1D.

Managing type 2 diabetes or prediabetes and binge eating disorder: a qualitative study of patients' perceptions and lived experiences

BACKGROUND

The overlap in prevalence between type 2 diabetes and binge eating disorder is substantial, with adverse physical and mental health consequences. Little is known about patients' efforts at managing these two conditions simultaneously. The research objective was to explore patients' experiences managing co-existing type 2 diabetes or prediabetes and binge eating disorder.

METHODS

This is a qualitative descriptive study using semi-structured interviews. Participants included 21 women with type 2 diabetes or prediabetes (90% non-Hispanic White; mean age 49 ± 14.8 years, mean BMI 43.8 ± 8.4; 48% with type 2 diabetes and mean HbA1c was 8.4%). Interviews were analyzed using thematic analysis and NVivo software.

RESULTS

Qualitative analysis revealed that participants reported binge episodes frequently started in childhood or adolescence and went undiagnosed for decades; notably, they recalled that diabetes diagnosis preceded the binge eating disorder diagnosis. They also described trying to lose weight throughout their lives and how feelings of deprivation, shame, and failure exacerbated binge eating. Participants further reported how binge eating made diabetes self-care and outcomes worse. Finally, participants observed that when binge eating disorder treatment and diabetes management were synergistically integrated, they experienced improvements in both binge eating and glycemic outcomes. This integration included reframing negative thoughts surrounding binge eating disorder and diabetes self-management and increasing their understanding of how the two disorders were inter-related.

CONCLUSION

Findings highlight the importance of increasing healthcare providers' awareness of and screening for binge eating disorder in the treatment of diabetes and inform specific integrated interventions that address both diagnoses. From this study where we interviewed 21 women with binge eating disorder (BED) and type 2 diabetes/prediabetes, we learned how binge eating impacted diabetes management and how diabetes impacted BED. Most participants reported receiving the diabetes diagnosis before being diagnosed with BED despite the earlier onset of binge eating, pointing to the need for BED screening. Participants described trying to lose weight throughout their lives and reported feelings of failure and shame, which made binge eating worse. Binge eating made diabetes management harder, but when diabetes and BED treatment were aligned, participants experienced improvements in binge symptoms and diabetes outcomes.

Disordered eating behaviours and eating disorders in adults with type 1 diabetes (DEBBI): rational and design of an observational longitudinal online study

INTRODUCTION

Disordered eating behaviours (DEB) and eating disorders (ED) are among the most common mental health comorbidities of type 1 diabetes. However, research on diabetes-specific risk and protective factors is limited. To this end, comprehensive characterisations of DEB and ED in type 1 diabetes, as well as longitudinal research on the course of DEB and ED, are needed to gain more insight. The 'Disordered eating behaviours and eating disorders in diabetes type I' (DEBBI) study aims to describe DEB/ED and their correlates in people with type 1 diabetes, to identify key diabetes-specific, psychosocial risk and protective factors, and to describe the course of DEB over time.

METHODS AND ANALYSIS

The DEBBI study is a longitudinal online survey with follow-up assessments after 6, 12 and 18 months, targeted at adults who have been diagnosed with type 1 diabetes for at least 12 months. The survey covers data on diabetes diagnosis and self-management (eg, diabetes treatment and complications), lifestyle (eg, eating habits, physical activity), psychosocial well-being (eg, anxiety, depressive symptoms) and demographic and medical information. It includes validated instruments and self-generated items. One key aspect of the data analysis will be latent profile analyses to determine latent subtypes of DEB manifestation in people with type 1 diabetes and their courses over time, including data on the clinical picture and symptoms, behaviours and diabetes-specific complications.

ETHICS AND DISSEMINATION

The study protocol was approved by the Ethics Committee of the State Medical Chamber of Rhineland-Palatine, Germany (ID 2021-16040). Participants give informed written consent before starting the survey. The DEBBI study will provide more clarity in the so far inconsistent empirical evidence base and will help to inform research on prevention and intervention strategies that are tailored to diabetes-specific needs.

TRIAL REGISTRATION NUMBER

The study is registered with DRKS German Clinical Trials Register (DRKS00028833).

Management of eating disorders for people with higher weight: clinical practice guideline

INTRODUCTION

The prevalence of eating disorders is high in people with higher weight. However, despite this, eating disorders experienced by people with higher weight have been consistently under-recognised and under-treated, and there is little to guide clinicians in the management of eating disorders in this population.

AIM

The aim of this guideline is to synthesise the current best practice approaches to the management of eating disorders in people with higher weight and make evidence-based clinical practice recommendations.

METHODS

The National Eating Disorders Collaboration Steering Committee auspiced a Development Group for a Clinical Practice Guideline for the treatment of eating disorders for people with higher weight. The Development Group followed the 'Guidelines for Guidelines' process outlined by the National Health and Medical Research Council and aim to meet their Standards to be: 1. relevant and useful for decision making; 2. transparent; 3. overseen by a guideline development group; 4. identifying and managing conflicts of interest; 5. focused on health and related outcomes; 6. evidence informed; 7. making actionable recommendations; 8. up-to-date; and, 9. accessible. The development group included people with clinical and/or academic expertise and/or lived experience. The guideline has undergone extensive peer review and consultation over an 18-month period involving reviews by key stakeholders, including experts and organisations with clinical academic and/or lived experience.

RECOMMENDATIONS

Twenty-one clinical recommendations are made and graded according to the National Health and Medical Research Council evidence levels. Strong recommendations were supported for psychological treatment as a first-line treatment approach adults (with bulimia nervosa or binge-eating disorder), adolescents and children. Clinical considerations such as weight stigma, interprofessional collaborative practice and cultural considerations are also discussed.

CONCLUSIONS

This guideline will fill an important gap in the need to better understand and care for people experiencing eating disorders who also have higher weight. This guideline acknowledges deficits in knowledge and consequently the reliance on consensus and lower levels of evidence for many recommendations, and the need for research particularly evaluating weight-neutral and other more recent approaches in this field.

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

OBJECTIVE

To assess the prevalence of disordered eating behaviors (DEBs) in a large sample of Italian adolescents with type 1 diabetes and to explore potential demographic, clinical, and psychological differences (understood as emotional and behavioral problems) among adolescents with and without DEBs.

METHOD

Adolescents (11-19 years) with type 1 diabetes completed the Diabetes Eating Problems Survey-revised (DEPS-r) and the Youth Self Report (YSR). Demographic and clinical data were also collected.

RESULTS

Of 690 adolescents with type 1 diabetes (mean age 14.97 ± 1.81, n = 337 girls) assessed in this study, 28.1% (21% boys, 35% girls) were DEPS-r positive (score ≥ 20). Girls had higher DEPS-r total scores (p < .0001, d = .42) than boys, although no age differences were found in mean DEPS-r total scores (p = .961). In both genders, adolescents with DEBs had significantly higher zBMI (p < .0001, d = .52) and HbA1c values (p < .0001, d = .54) and showed more emotional and behavioral problems (both as internalizing and externalizing problems) than those without DEBs (all p < .0001). These differences were largely confirmed in all age groups. Adolescents reporting insulin misuse had higher HbA1c values (p = .001, d = .26), higher DEPS-r mean scores (p < .0001, d = 1.07), and greater psychological problems (all p < .001) than those who did not.

DISCUSSION

DEBs are prevalent among adolescents with type 1 diabetes, and those with eating problems showed adverse clinical and psychological conditions. Routine screening for DEBs and of general psychological condition should be a fundamental part of diabetes care, especially during adolescence.

PUBLIC SIGNIFICANCE STATEMENT

This nationwide study indicated that DEBs are common in adolescents with T1D, and those suffering from them show poorer clinical conditions and higher emotional and behavioral problems. As such, it offers important contributions for those working with EDs and in the T1D field, as it provides a deeper understanding of the co-occurring DEBs-emotional/behavioral problems in youths with T1D and highlights the importance of continuous monitoring of their psychological condition by a multidisciplinary team.

Eating Problems in Youths with Type 1 Diabetes During and After Lockdown in Italy: An 8-Month Follow-Up Study

Eighty-five youths with T1D and 176 controls aged 8–19 years were asked to complete online questionnaires (ChEAT and EAT-26) measuring disordered eating behaviors (DEBs) during (baseline) and after (8-month follow-up) the lockdown. DEB symptoms in all participants (especially younger than 13 years), glycemic control, and zBMI were found unchanged from baseline to follow-up (all p > .05). After 8 months, the ChEAT/EAT-26 critical score frequency decreased significantly in controls (p = .004), as was the score for the ChEAT/EAT-26’s Oral Control subscale in both groups (T1D: p = .005; controls: p = .01). Participants with T1D, especially those older than 13 years, had higher ChEAT/EAT-26 Dieting scores (p = .037) and lower ChEAT/EAT-26 Oral Control scores (p = .046) than controls. Unchanged DEB symptoms suggest that the COVID-19 restrictions did not significantly affect participants’ eating behaviors and that a general adaptation to the challenges of lockdown and other pandemic containment measures occurred in both T1D and control participants.

Developing a novel intervention for type 1 diabetes and disordered eating using a participatory action design process: Safe management of people with Type 1 diabetes and EAting Disorders studY (STEADY)

AIMS

To develop a cognitive behavioural therapy-based intervention for people with type 1 diabetes and disordered eating using Experience-Based Co-Design as part of the Safe management of people with Type 1 diabetes and EAting Disorders studY (STEADY).

METHODS

Fifteen people with type 1 diabetes and experience of disordered eating (33 ± 11 years old, 22 ± 12 years diabetes duration) and 25 healthcare professionals working in type 1 diabetes or eating disorders (44 ± 9 years old; 14 ± 10 years of professional experience) attended six Experience-Based Co-Design workshops from July 2019 to March 2020 to collaboratively develop intervention content.

RESULTS

We developed a cognitive behaviour therapy intervention 'toolkit' that can be tailored for individual patient needs. Participants designed and revised toolkit materials to ensure acceptability and relevance for people with diabetes and disordered eating by engaging in guided discussion, brainstorming, and rapid testing to review toolkit prototypes in an iterative process. Workshop themes were 'Insulin titration'; 'Hypoglycaemia'; 'Coming to terms with diabetes'; 'Fear of weight gain'; 'Toolkit revision'; and 'Practical elements of STEADY therapy'. The intervention is focussed on improving diabetes self-care and embedded in a multidisciplinary healthcare approach. The intervention will be delivered in 12 sessions by a diabetes specialist nurse trained in cognitive behavioural therapy.

CONCLUSIONS

Through an iterative co-design process, people with type 1 diabetes and healthcare professionals collaboratively developed a novel intervention toolkit that can be used with a wide range of disordered eating presentations. The intervention will be tested in the STEADY feasibility randomised controlled trial.

Caring for individuals with Type 1 Diabetes Mellitus who restrict and omit insulin for weight control: Evidence-based guidance for healthcare professionals

PURPOSE

Evidence-based guidance is needed to inform care for individuals with Type 1 Diabetes Mellitus who deliberately restrict and omit insulin for weight control. Consensus on the best treatment approach for these individuals is currently lacking, and standard eating disorder treatment protocols are ineffective. This article focuses on how healthcare professionals can provide meaningful care to this population.

METHODS

Qualitative research studies were synthesised in a meta-aggregative meta-synthesis. We identified key themes related to individuals' understanding and experience, physical and psychological impacts, support and treatment-related needs and experiences. These themes guided the development of implications for practice.

RESULTS

Individuals engaging in insulin misuse wanted healthcare professionals to demonstrate more empathy, validate their experiences, have increased knowledge about their illness and develop more specialist pathways.

CONCLUSIONS

The findings have widespread interdisciplinary implications for health professionals working with individuals with Type 1 Diabetes Mellitus. Evidence-informed implications for practice are provided and may provide useful guidance concerning the prevention and treatment of this unique behaviour.

Insulin Restriction or Omission in Type 1 Diabetes Mellitus: A Meta-synthesis of Individuals' Experiences of Diabulimia

OBJECTIVE

Unique to individuals with insulin-dependent diabetes mellitus (IDDM) is a disordered eating behaviour whereby insulin is deliberately restricted or omitted. Despite growing research in this area, experiential perspectives of individuals remain understudied. Therefore, the purpose of this meta-synthesis was to explore the experiences of individuals with Type 1 Diabetes Mellitus (T1DM) by identifying, analysing and synthesising existing knowledge concerning their misuse of insulin for weight control.

DESIGN

Meta-aggregative techniques were employed to generate synthesised findings related to individuals' understanding and experience, physical and psychological impacts, support and treatment-related needs and experiences, noted in twelve studies.

RESULTS

A multifaceted relationship with the unique disordered eating behaviour, beyond weight control was identified. Many individuals experienced a wide range of diabetes-related complications from insulin restriction and omission alongside increased distress, loss of control and feelings of regret, guilt, and shame later in life. Almost all individuals valued peer support from those who shared a 'diabulimic' identity; peer support appeared more conducive to recovery than support from friends, family and formal support services, which were not uniformly supportive.

CONCLUSIONS

This meta-synthesis revealed valuable information from individuals with diabulimia which has widespread interdisciplinary implications and may provide useful guidance concerning the prevention and treatment of this unique behaviour. The results highlight the need for empathic, collaborative care, and proactive prevention and early intervention. Furthermore, the findings highlight the value of peer support in recovery, the need for increased knowledge among family and friends, training among multidisciplinary teams and support services, and crucially the development of evidence-based treatments informed by the behaviour as a unique distinct construct.

5. Facilitating Behavior Change and Well-being to Improve Health Outcomes: Standards of Medical Care in Diabetes-2022

The American Diabetes Association (ADA) "Standards of Medical Care in Diabetes" includes the ADA's current clinical practice recommendations and is intended to provide the components of diabetes care, general treatment goals and guidelines, and tools to evaluate quality of care. Members of the ADA Professional Practice Committee, a multidisciplinary expert committee (https://doi.org/10.2337/dc22-SPPC), are responsible for updating the Standards of Care annually, or more frequently as warranted. For a detailed description of ADA standards, statements, and reports, as well as the evidence-grading system for ADA's clinical practice recommendations, please refer to the Standards of Care Introduction (https://doi.org/10.2337/dc22-SINT). Readers who wish to comment on the Standards of Care are invited to do so at professional.diabetes.org/SOC.

Insulin Restriction, Emotion Dysregulation, and Depressive Symptoms in Late Adolescents with Diabetes

OBJECTIVE

Insulin restriction occurs when an individual takes less insulin than recommended and is a serious concern for those with diabetes. General insulin restriction (IR) and insulin restriction for weight control (IRWC) have not been clearly distinguished in the literature, creating inconsistencies and limited understanding of factors that underlie this behavior. We examined whether these are distinct, and how emotion dysregulation and depressive symptoms relate to both forms of insulin restriction during late adolescence.

METHODS

As part of a larger study, late adolescents (ages 17-18) with type 1 diabetes (N = 236) completed measures of depressive symptoms (Center for Epidemiologic Studies-Depression Scale [CES-D]), facets of Difficulties In Emotion Regulation Scale (DERS), diabetes self-management behaviors, insulin restriction, and hemoglobin A1c (HbA1c).

RESULTS

IR and IRWC were not significantly associated with each other. IR was associated with self-management behaviors but not HbA1c, whereas the opposite was true for IRWC. All DERS subscales (M = 10.60-16.73) and CES-D (M = 16.56) were correlated with greater IRWC; CES-D and all but one DERS subscale were correlated with IR. Covariation with CES-D explained associations between DERS and IRWC. CES-D moderated associations with IR, indicating most subscales of the DERS were associated with IR only when CES-D was higher.

CONCLUSION

Emotion dysregulation and depressive symptoms are important correlates of the dangerous behavior of insulin restriction, but function differently when insulin is restricted specifically for weight control versus nonspecified reasons. Future research to understand these underlying processes will be necessary to develop emotion-based theory and evidence-based interventions for this dangerous behavior.

Sex-Related Differences in Cardiovascular Disease Risk Profile in Children and Adolescents with Type 1 Diabetes

Cardiovascular disease (CVD) is the primary cause of higher and earlier morbidity and mortality in people with type 1 diabetes (T1D) compared to people without diabetes. In addition, women with T1D are at an even higher relative risk for CVD than men. However, the underlying pathophysiology is not well understood. Atherosclerotic changes are known to progress early in life among people with T1D, yet it is less clear when excess CVD risk begins in females with T1D. This review explores the prevalence of classical CVD risk factors (such as glycemic control, hypertension, dyslipidemia, obesity, albuminuria, smoking, diet, physical inactivity), as well as of novel biomarkers (such as chronic inflammation), in children and adolescents with T1D with particular regard to sex-related differences in risk profile. We also summarize gaps where further research and clearer clinical guidance are needed to better address this issue. Considering that girls with T1D might have a more adverse CVD risk profile than boys, the early identification of and sex-specific intervention in T1D would have the potential to reduce later CVD morbidity and excess mortality in females with T1D. To conclude, based on an extensive review of the existing literature, we found a clear difference between boys and girls with T1D in the presence of individual CVD risk factors as well as in overall CVD risk profiles; the girls were on the whole more impacted.

Feasibility of a virtually delivered eating disorder prevention program for young females with type 1 diabetes

OBJECTIVE

This study aimed to develop a virtual diabetes-specific version of the eating disorder (ED) prevention program the Body Project, and to assess feasibility and preliminary efficacy of this program for young females with type 1 diabetes.

METHOD

Young females with type 1 diabetes aged 16-35 years were invited to participate in the study. A total of 35 participants were allocated to five Diabetes Body Project groups (six meetings over 6 weeks) and completed pretest assessments; 26 participants completed all sessions and posttest assessments (<7 days after last meeting). Primary measures included ED risk factors and symptoms, and secondary outcomes included diabetes-specific constructs previously found to be associated with ED psychopathology (e.g., diabetes distress and illness perceptions).

RESULTS

The ease of recruitment, timely conduct of five groups, moderate drop-out rate and appreciation of the intervention by participants indicated that the Diabetes Body Project is feasible. Meaningful reductions occurred on the primary outcomes (i.e., ED psychopathology, body dissatisfaction, and thin ideal internalization) and on internalization of appearance ideals and appearance pressures at posttest (Cohen's d ranging from .63 to .83, which are medium to large effects). Small to medium effect sizes were found for diabetes illness perceptions and distress (.41 and .48, respectively).

DISCUSSION

The virtual Diabetes Body Project is a promising and much-needed intervention, worthy of more rigorous evaluation. A randomized controlled trial is warranted to determine its effectiveness compared with a control condition.