Disturbed eating disorders behavior and eating disorders in preteen and early teenage girls with type 1 diabetes - A case-controlled study

OBJECTIVE - To compare the prevalence of eating disturbances in preteen and early teenage girls with type 1. diabetes to their nondiabetic peers. RESEARCH DESIGN AND METHODS - A cross-sectional, case-controlled Study of 101 girls With type 1 diabetes, ages 9-14 years, and 303 age-matched, female nondiabetic control subjects was conducted. Participants completed a Children's Eating Disorder Examination interview. Socioeconomic status, BMI, and diabetes-related variables were assessed. Groups were compared using X-2 analyses. RESULTS - Binge eating the use of intense, excessive exercise for weight control; the combination of two disturbed eating-related behaviors; and subthreshold eating disorders were all more common in girls with type 1 diabetes. Metabolic control was not related to eating behavior in this study population. CONCLUSIONS - Eating disturbances, though mostly mild, were significantly more common in preteen and early teenage girls with type 1 diabetes. Screening and prevention programs for this high-risk group should beam in the preteen years.