Disturbed Eating Behavior and Eating Disorders in Preteen and Early Teenage Girls With Type 1 Diabetes
A case-controlled study
- Patricia Colton, MD, MSC1,
- Marion Olmsted, PHD1,
- Denis Daneman, MB, FRCPC2,
- Anne Rydall, MSC1 and
- Gary Rodin, MD, FRCPC1
- 1Department of Psychiatry, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
- 2Department of Paediatrics, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
- Address correspondence and reprint requests to Dr. Patricia Colton, Department of Psychiatry, Toronto General Hospital, University Health Network, 200 Elizabeth St., Toronto, ON, M5G 2C4, Canada. E-mail: p.colton{at}utoronto.ca
Abstract
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 χ2 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 begin in the preteen years.
- cEDE, Children’s Eating Disorder Examination
- HSC, Hospital for Sick Children
- ED-NOS, eating disorder not otherwise specified
- SES, socioeconomic status
Footnotes
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A table elsewhere in this issue shows conventional and Système International (SI) units and conversion factors for many substances.
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- Accepted April 11, 2004.
- Received January 12, 2004.
- DIABETES CARE
