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Disturbed eating behaviours and thoughts in A ustralian adolescents with type 1 diabetes
Author(s) -
d'Emden Helen,
Holden Libby,
McDermott Brett,
Harris Mark,
Gibbons Kristen,
Gledhill Anne,
Cotterill Andrew
Publication year - 2013
Publication title -
journal of paediatrics and child health
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 0.631
H-Index - 76
eISSN - 1440-1754
pISSN - 1034-4810
DOI - 10.1111/jpc.12014
Subject(s) - medicine , confounding , eating disorders , type 1 diabetes , type 2 diabetes , binge eating , diabetes mellitus , vomiting , clinical psychology , psychiatry , endocrinology
Aim To describe the presence and type of disturbed eating behaviours and thoughts in a combined male/female Australian sample of adolescents with type 1 diabetes, and examine the association of eating behaviours and thoughts with glycaemic control as evidenced by high glycosylated haemoglobin levels ( HbA1c ). Methods In this cross‐sectional descriptive study, 124 adolescents aged 13–18 years were invited to complete three self‐administered questionnaires. The Y outh E ating D isorder E xamination Q uestionnaire ( YEDE ‐Q) and the E ating D isorder I nventory −3 R isk C omposite ( EDI ‐3 RC ) assessed risk for an eating disorder. The third questionnaire, the S trengths and D ifficulties Q uestionnaire ( SDQ ) assessed emotional and behavioural concerns. Clinical data were collected from the medical records, routine clinic appointments and the adolescent. Results Any disturbed eating behaviour was reported by approximately one‐third of participants (32.3%) and was common in females and males (37.9% vs. 25.9%). Binge eating (17.7%), driven exercise (13.0%) and dietary restraint (8.9%) were the most common disturbed eating behaviours, although restraint was not evident in males. Insulin manipulation/omission (5.6%), vomiting (3.3%), laxative (0.8%) or diuretic use (0.8%) were less common. Regression analysis showed a significant association between HbA1c and more disturbed eating behaviours and thoughts which remained significant when adjusted for confounders. Conclusions High rates of disturbed eating behaviours and thoughts were seen in this Australian sample of adolescents with type 1 diabetes. High scores on both eating disorder measures were associated with poorer glycaemic control. These results highlight the need to screen for disordered eating in adolescents with type 1 diabetes.