Co-occurring Eating Disorders and Type 1 Diabetes Mellitus

Abstract

Co-occurring eating disorders and type 1 diabetes (ED-DMT1) are common yet often overlooked conditions among adolescents. A strong focus on food combined with the weight changes shortly before and after diagnosis heavily influence the development of disordered eating in this population. Adolescents with type 1 diabetes are more likely to develop eating disorders than those without diabetes. A dual diagnosis of ED-DMT1 markedly increases risk of diabetes-related complications, including microvascular complications, diabetic ketoacidosis and even death. Changing the language around diabetes, encouraging flexible eating, and fostering a trusting relationship between adolescents and their health care providers are keys to preventing and treating ED-DMT1.