Comorbidity of eating disorders and depression in T1DM patients: challenges and tasks for dietitian – a pilot study

Abstract

The aim of the study: The aim was to assess the occurrence of eating disorders in T1DM patients being under regular diabetologist care, that qualify for a visit to a psychologist and to evaluate possible correlation of eating disorders with symptoms of depression and anxiety in this population. Subject or material and methods: The study included a selected group of 27 adult patients (55.5% of the group were women) with T1DM under the constant care at the diabetes clinic. The following tools were used: to assess depression and anxiety, we used the Patient Health Questionnaire (PHQ-9) and Centre for Epidemiological Studies Depression Questionnaire (CES-D); EAT-26 assessed eating disorders screening and Mood Disorder Questionnaire (MDQ) – other problems. Results: Based on the overall assessment of the EAT 26 test as many as 7% of group had a problem, which manifested a high level of concern about dieting, body weight or problematic eating behaviours. Additionally, the 25.9% people reported high depressive. We showed a relationship between eating disorders and depression. Discussion: There was a similar frequency of eating disorders in the study group compared to other studies and general epidemiological references. People with type 1 diabetes and eating disorders have elevated HbA1c, however, in our study, the mean HbA1c was 6.85% (51 mmol/mol), which indicates an average glycemia of 150.1 mg/dL (8.33 mmol /l). – fairly good glycemic control. In addition, a correlation between eating disorders and depression has been noted, and patients with type 1 diabetes are very sensitive to both disorders. Conclusions: People with type 1 diabetes, due to the increased risk of eating disorders or depression, require comprehensive care of a therapeutic team, which should include a diabetologist, psychologist, psychiatrist, diabetes educator, nurse, nutritionist.