Prioritizing thinness over glycemic control was linked to higher risks of elevated HbA1c levels and diabetic ketoacidosis events in teens with type 1 diabetes, according to new study results presented at the American Diabetes Association’s Scientific Sessions in Orlando, Florida.
The study recruited 224 adolescents with type 1 diabetes (T1D) with an average age of 16.9 years (49% were female) through the T1D Exchange to complete an online survey. The survey included an item from the Diabetes Eating Problems Survey-R: "I would rather be thin than have good control of my diabetes," rated on a 6-point scale from "never" to "always."
Analysis showed that a greater preference for thinness was significantly correlated with higher HbA1c levels (r = 0.17, P = 0.01).
Adolescents who had experienced diabetic ketoacidosis (DKA) in the past year reported a higher preference for thinness (mean = 1.80, SD =1.86) than those who had not (mean = 0.88, SD =1.35; t (164) = 2.43, P < .05).
There was no significant difference in the frequency of insulin restriction between adolescents who had experienced DKA and those who had not (mean = 2.33, SD = 1.59 vs. mean = 2.37, SD = 1.51; t (163) = 0.12, P > .05).
The findings support the need for screening for body image issues as part of diabetes management, as recommended by the American Diabetes Association.
Further research is necessary to explore how body image concerns influence disordered eating behaviors and diabetes outcomes in this population.
The authors reported no conflicts of interest.