Eating disorders in youth with diabetes

Abstract

Eating disorders and disordered eating behaviors are seen more commonly in youth than adults and can be associated with serious morbidity and mortality. Youth with diabetes mellitus are at a higher risk for developing eating disorders than their peers without diabetes, and youth with diabetes and eating disorders are at risk for diabetes-related metabolic complications, making eating disorders especially concerning in this population. The unique attention given to food, and specifically carbohydrate intake, in diabetes management may increase patients’ risk for development of an eating disorder. Providers therefore need to be cognizant of the risk of eating disorders in this population. Eating disorders and disordered eating behaviors are seen in youth with type 1 and type 2 diabetes, although the types of problems may vary. In this chapter, we review the different types of eating disorders, the specific eating disorders seen in both type 1 and type 2 diabetes mellitus, the signs and symptoms of these disorders, potential treatment options, and future directions in this important field.