Eating disorders in Adolescents with type 1 Diabetes Mellitus

Abstract

Introduction: Diabetes is a disease for the development of eating disorders (EDs), due to its requirements with regard to food and weight control. Aim of the Work: The aim of this study is to assess frequency of EDs among adolescents with T1D and its relation to glycemic control and complications. Methods: In this cross-sectional observational study, 138 patients with T1D were recruited to complete 3 questionnaires; Eating Attitude Test (EAT-26) and Eat Behavior questionnaire (ORTO-15) and Eating Disorder Examination Questionnaire version 6 (EDE-Q6) for assessment of any possible eating disorder. Results: Patients were categorized as having an EDs 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 (high EAT-26) had lower mean ORTO-15 score as compared to those without (p= 0.01), and higher mean global EDE-Q6 (p< 0.001). A significant correlation was found between EAT-26 scores and both ORTO-15 and EDE-Q6 scores, (p<0.05). As for risk factors, a positive correlation was found between EAT-26 scores and both age (p<0.0001) and BMI (p<0.0001). Also, ORTO-15 score correlated with duration of diabetes (p=0.0418). Diabetic ketoacidosis, peripheral neuropathy and micro albuminuria occurred frequently in patients with any high score of the 3 questionnaires. Hypoglycemic episodes were reported more in those with high EAT-26 or EDE-Q6 scores Conclusion: Risk of Eating disorders and abnormal eating behaviors are common in Egyptian adolescents with T1D, more frequently in older age, female gender and with high BMI. Orthorexia is also common as different type of Eds. All EDs are closely linked to acute and chronic complications of diabetes.