Disturbed Eating Common in Young Diabetic Girls
Issue 220 Item 9

Young diabetic girls experience eating disturbances significantly more often than do those without the condition. Dr. Patricia Colton and colleagues from the University of Toronto, compared the prevalence of eating disturbances in 101 type 1 diabetic girls between the ages of 9 and 14 years and 303 age-matched, nondiabetic controls.

The subjects completed the Children’s Eating Disorder Examination interview, and the investigators assessed socioeconomic status, body mass index, and diabetes-related variables.

The same proportion (16%) of diabetic and nondiabetic girls reported at least one disturbed eating episode in the previous month. However, significantly more diabetic (8%) than nondiabetic girls (1%) reported currently engaging in at least two disturbed eating behaviors.

Eleven percent of diabetic girls and 15% of nondiabetic girls reported dieting in the previous month. However, diabetic girls were significantly more likely to take part in intense, excessive exercise for weight control than were the other girls (10% versus 1%).

Binge eating was also significantly more prevalent in diabetic girls (3%) than in nondiabetic girls (0.3%).

In addition, subthreshold eating disorders were more common in diabetic girls than in nondiabetic girls (8% versus 1%). No association was observed between metabolic control and eating disturbances.

Given these findings, the researchers conclude that "screening and prevention programs for this high-risk group should begin in the preteen years." Diabetes Care 2004;27:1654-1659.