Eating disorders in adolescents with type 2 and type 1 diabetes

Curr Diab Rep. 2013 Apr;13(2):289-97. doi: 10.1007/s11892-012-0355-7.

Abstract

Diabetes is associated with increased risk for eating disorders; with different types of eating disorders associating with different types of diabetes. Binge eating disorders show increased prevalence among individuals with type 2 diabetes (T2DM). Intentional omission of insulin for the purpose of inducing weight loss presents among individuals with type 1 (T1DM). Similarly, some individuals with T2DM intentionally omit oral hypoglycemic drugs, resulting in poor glycemic control, and weight loss. Common dominators for the development of eating disorders in T1DM and T2DM are female gender, increased body weight, body dissatisfaction, a history of dieting, and a history of depression. Patients tend to deny the existence of the problem. Clinical signs that should raise suspicion are: poor glycemic control, missed clinical appointments, recurrent episodes of diabetes ketoacidosis, recurrent hypoglycemia secondary to intentional overdose, poor self-esteem, and dietary manipulation. Eating disorders are associated with poorer glycemic control, and therefore increased risk of diabetes associated comorbidities.

Publication types

  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Adolescent
  • Blood Glucose / drug effects
  • Body Weight / drug effects
  • Diabetes Mellitus, Type 1 / drug therapy*
  • Diabetes Mellitus, Type 1 / physiopathology
  • Diabetes Mellitus, Type 2 / drug therapy*
  • Diabetes Mellitus, Type 2 / physiopathology
  • Feeding and Eating Disorders / etiology*
  • Feeding and Eating Disorders / physiopathology
  • Female
  • Humans
  • Hypoglycemic Agents / administration & dosage
  • Hypoglycemic Agents / therapeutic use
  • Male

Substances

  • Blood Glucose
  • Hypoglycemic Agents