Risk of Disordered Eating Behaviors in Adolescents with Type 1 Diabetes

Mindfulness-based group intervention for adolescents with type 1 diabetes: initial findings from a pilot and feasibility randomized controlled trial

OBJECTIVE

To evaluate feasibility/acceptability of a virtual, group mindfulness-based intervention (MBI) adapted for pediatric type 1 diabetes (T1D).

METHODS

This two-way controlled trial randomized adolescents 1:1 to MBI (n = 20) or health education (HE; n = 22) groups lasting 6-7 weeks. Eligibility included 12-17 years, T1D ≥ 1 year, and elevated scores on PROMIS depression or anxiety measures. Recruitment, retention, and session attendance were tracked to measure feasibility. Acceptability was measured via youth-reported post-session surveys. Adolescents completed depression, anxiety, and diabetes-specific surveys at baseline, immediately post-program, and 3 months post-program completion. HbA1c values approximating these timeframes were obtained from chart review.

RESULTS

55% of screened participants were eligible to participate, and 100% of eligible youth enrolled. There was 93% study retention and 96% session attendance rates. Survey data were 100% complete at baseline, and 93% complete at post-program and 3-month follow-ups; 83% and 78% of MBI participants rated sessions as at least somewhat enjoyable and helpful, respectively, and 91% and 82% of HE participants rated sessions as at least somewhat enjoyable and helpful, respectively. Mean scores showed declines in depression, anxiety, disordered eating, diabetes distress, and HbA1c in both groups across time, with trends toward potential greater reductions in depression and HbA1c in MBI.

CONCLUSIONS

This pilot provides preliminary evidence that virtual MBI and HE groups adapted for adolescents with T1D are feasible to deliver and acceptable, with potential improvement in psychosocial, behavioral, and diabetes-specific outcomes. Whether MBI is more effective for targeting negative affect and glycemic control in the context of adolescent T1D requires testing in a full-scale efficacy trial.

BREATHE-T1D: Using iterative mixed methods to adapt a mindfulness-based intervention for adolescents with type 1 diabetes: Design and development

BACKGROUND

Negative affect is prevalent among adolescents with type 1 diabetes (T1D) and may impact diabetes self-management and outcomes through stress-related behaviors such as disordered eating.

METHODS

We describe the development of and design for the adaptation of a mindfulness-based intervention (MBI) for adolescents with T1D and negative affect. BREATHE-T1D is an MBI designed to target negative affect that has been tailored to address the unique lived experiences of adolescents with T1D. Qualitative interviews with stakeholders and participants were used to inform iterative adaptations to the intervention and control curricula over the course of the study. The primary aim of this paper is to describe the design, development, and protocol of the present pilot feasibility trial.

CONCLUSIONS

Iterative, qualitative methodology throughout the adaptation of an intervention is important for ensuring the resulting intervention is relevant and meaningful for the target population.

CLINICAL TRIAL REGISTRATION NUMBER

NCT05268393.

Disordered eating behaviours and body shape dissatisfaction among adolescents with type 1 diabetes: a cross sectional study

BACKGROUND

Disordered eating behaviours (DEBs) are variations in regular eating patterns and behaviours and might include symptoms and behaviours of eating disorder with lower level of severity. Such behaviours are common during adolescence at which time several physical and psychological changes occur favouring unhealthy dietary behaviours. Although the magnitude of DEBs is high among high-income countries, similar data are limited among adolescents with diabetes in low-income countries including Ethiopia. This study aimed to assess the magnitude of DEBs and its relationship with body shape dissatisfaction among adolescents with diabetes on follow-up at selected public hospitals in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia.

METHODS

Hospital based cross sectional study was conducted among randomly selected 395 adolescents with diabetes attending public hospitals in Addis Ababa from January to December, 2021. Data were collected using structured pretested standard diabetes eating problem survey revised (DEPS-R) questionnaire, body part satisfaction scale of 8 items, and anthropometric measurements. Descriptive statistics such as median alongside interquartile range was used to describe the continuous variables. Binary bivariable and multivariable logistic regression was used for data analysis. Mann-Whitney U-test and Kruskal-Wallis test were used to evaluate the difference between median scores of independent variables. Adjusted odds ratios (AOR) alongside 95% confidence intervals (CIs) were estimated to measure the strength of association between variables of interest.

RESULTS

The magnitude of disordered eating behaviours within the last 30 days was 43.3%, [95% CI: (38%, 48%)]. In multivariable analysis, body shape dissatisfaction [AOR = 2.21, 95% CI (1.28, 3.82, p = 0.0001)], family history of diabetes mellitus [AOR = 1.59, 95% CI (1.03, 2.47, p = 0.038)], late adolescence period [AOR = 2.10, 95% CI (1.33, 3.34, p = 0.002)], having diabetic complication[AOR = 2.32, 95% CI (1.43, 3.75, p = 0.001)],and being overweight [AOR = 2.25, 95% CI (1.32, 3.82, p = 0.003)] were significantly associated with DEBs.

CONCLUSIONS

The magnitude of DEBs was high among the study participants. Body shape dissatisfaction, family history of diabetes mellitus, being in late adolescence period, diabetic complication, and nutritional status of adolescents were significantly associated with DEBs. Therefore, preventive interventions need to be designed by all relevant actors working on health promotion of young population to address factors influencing DEBs among adolescent population with diabetes.

Prevalence and Multidimensional Model of Disordered Eating in Youths With Type 1 Diabetes: Results From a Nationwide Population-Based Study

OBJECTIVE

The aim of this study was to report nationwide data of the prevalence of disordered eating behaviors (DEBs) in adolescents with type 1 diabetes (T1D) and to evaluate a multidimensional model of eating problems, analyzing how psychopathological problems are associated with DEBs and with metabolic control.

METHODS

This study was carried out using a cross-sectional design with a sample of 1,562 patients with T1D (812 male), aged 11-19 years. Participants were recruited from multiple pediatric diabetes centers (N = 30) located in northern, central, and southern Italy, and they individually completed the Diabetes Eating Problem Survey-Revised (DEPS-r) and the Youth Self-Report (YSR). Sociodemographic and clinical data were also gathered. Multiple-group structural equation modeling was used to investigate the relationships between internalizing/externalizing symptoms, DEBs, and glycosylated hemoglobin (HbA1c) values.

RESULTS

A total of 29.7% of the participants reported DEBs (DEPS-r scores ≥20), 42.4% reported insulin manipulation (IM). The prevalence of DEBs was higher for female participants (p ≤ .001). The model explains 37% of the variance in disordered eating, 12% in IM, and 21% in HbA1c values. Body mass index, externalizing symptoms, and internalizing symptoms were significantly and positively associated with DEBs, which in turn were significantly and positively associated with HbA1c values (all p ≤ .001). Externalizing (p ≤ .001) and internalizing (p ≤ .01) symptoms were also directly associated with HbA1c values.

CONCLUSION

Given the relevant prevalence of DEBs, their significant positive association with psychopathological symptoms, and their relationship with worse diabetes outcomes, regular psychological screening and support is needed to ensure the best care of adolescents with T1D.

The misuse of insulin by males with Type 1 Diabetes Mellitus for weight and/or shape control: a systematic scoping review

Background

Insulin restriction and/or omission in Type 1 Diabetes Mellitus (T1DM) is a risky disordered eating behaviour increasingly reported in the literature. Most existing literature has focused on females with T1DM. Previous research, however, suggests disordered eating behaviours are over-represented in males with T1DM versus males without T1DM. This systematic scoping review sought to summarise the existing literature to contribute to the development of an understanding of males' misuse of insulin for weight and/or shape control.

Methods

A systematic scoping review methodology was used. We searched six electronic databases. Eligible articles were quantitative, qualitative, or mixed methods empirical studies with primary data on the restriction and/or omission of insulin for weight and/or shape control among males, written in English from database inception to December 2021.

Results

A final sample of 56 articles was included (48 quantitative, six qualitative and two mixed methods). Where it was reported to occur, estimates of the behaviour ranged from 5 to 75% in females and 1.4% to 76% in males. In 12 studies examining sex differences, only three reported higher prevalence in females. Understandings about the behavioural context of the behaviour were hampered by lack of qualitative research (n = 4 studies).

Conclusion

Despite common preconceptions, this disordered eating behaviour appears to occur similarly in males and females. The findings shed light on areas for future research, including aetiology in males and the need for longitudinal and qualitative research. Clinical recommendations include being alert to the possibility of this behaviour in males with Type 1 Diabetes Mellitus and the need for health professionals to use open-ended questions to explore current and past deliberate restriction and/or omission of insulin among their patients.

Supplementary Information

The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1007/s40200-022-01151-8.

The role and need for psychological support in the treatment of adolescents and young people suffering from type 1 diabetes

Psychological support might be perceived as one of the most important factors in the treatment of people suffering from type 1 diabetes, particularly among vulnerable groups such as adolescents and young people. Problems arising from extreme pressure put on young patients, high expectations, and specific limitations associated with diabetes often reflect in negative wellbeing and affect patients' behavior, resulting in lower self-esteem, mood swings, depression, or even eating disorders. Therefore, the need for a more holistic approach to the treatment of diabetes and caring about psychological support can be observed, which may contribute to better functioning and management of the disease. Differentiation of certain approach methods such as the positive approach (PA) discussed in the text may help young patients in motivation and coping with their disease as well as accepting limitations caused by type 1 diabetes. This would decrease the risk of potential revolt against medical recommendations, common for patients at the mentioned age, and help raise awareness of the problem. Maintaining life balance through undertaking regular physical activities and being open to new strategies such as telenursing can also result in the improvement of glycemic control. The studies presented have proven the great effectiveness of personalized care adjusted to the patient with psychological support, as well as the invaluable role of education in diabetes, which includes not only standard procedures such as calculating an appropriate insulin dose but also the invention of effective coping mechanisms, which influence patients' performance and wellbeing.

Internet-delivered eating disorders prevention program for adolescent girls with type 1 diabetes: Acceptable and feasible

BACKGROUND

Adolescents with type 1 diabetes are at significantly increased risk for eating disorders and few interventions exist.

OBJECTIVE

This study examined the feasibility, acceptability, and preliminary effects of an internet-based eating disorders prevention program adapted specifically for adolescent girls with type 1 diabetes.

PARTICIPANTS AND METHODS

Thirty-five girls (16.2 ± 1.1 years) participated Body Project (T1D Style), a 4-week program consisting of four adolescent sessions focused on promoting illness acceptance, challenging sociocultural body image pressures, increasing social support, and teaching assertive communication. Caregivers participated in one session focused on fostering body image positivity and a healthy relationship with food. Pre-intervention, post-intervention, and 3-month follow-up surveys assessed disordered eating, body dissatisfaction, thin-ideal internalization, diabetes acceptance, diabetes distress, and quality of life. Cohen's d effect sizes were calculated at post-intervention and follow-up. Program acceptability was assessed at post-intervention. Manual fidelity and homework completion were monitored.

RESULTS

High manual fidelity, retention, and homework completion were achieved. Quantitative and qualitative feedback from teens and caregivers suggested high acceptability. Large effects (d = 1.35-0.83) were observed for dieting, body dissatisfaction, diabetes distress, diabetes acceptance, and diabetes-related quality of life at post-intervention, with large-medium effects (d = 1.16-0.58) at follow-up. Medium-small effects (d = 0.49-0.78) at post-intervention were observed for diabetes-specific disordered eating and thin-ideal internalization, with effects maintained at follow-up.

CONCLUSIONS

Results support the acceptability and feasibility of this targeted eating disorders prevention program for adolescent girls with type 1 diabetes. Future clinical trials are warranted to determine its effectiveness compared to a control condition.

Insulin Restriction, Emotion Dysregulation, and Depressive Symptoms in Late Adolescents with Diabetes

OBJECTIVE

Insulin restriction occurs when an individual takes less insulin than recommended and is a serious concern for those with diabetes. General insulin restriction (IR) and insulin restriction for weight control (IRWC) have not been clearly distinguished in the literature, creating inconsistencies and limited understanding of factors that underlie this behavior. We examined whether these are distinct, and how emotion dysregulation and depressive symptoms relate to both forms of insulin restriction during late adolescence.

METHODS

As part of a larger study, late adolescents (ages 17-18) with type 1 diabetes (N = 236) completed measures of depressive symptoms (Center for Epidemiologic Studies-Depression Scale [CES-D]), facets of Difficulties In Emotion Regulation Scale (DERS), diabetes self-management behaviors, insulin restriction, and hemoglobin A1c (HbA1c).

RESULTS

IR and IRWC were not significantly associated with each other. IR was associated with self-management behaviors but not HbA1c, whereas the opposite was true for IRWC. All DERS subscales (M = 10.60-16.73) and CES-D (M = 16.56) were correlated with greater IRWC; CES-D and all but one DERS subscale were correlated with IR. Covariation with CES-D explained associations between DERS and IRWC. CES-D moderated associations with IR, indicating most subscales of the DERS were associated with IR only when CES-D was higher.

CONCLUSION

Emotion dysregulation and depressive symptoms are important correlates of the dangerous behavior of insulin restriction, but function differently when insulin is restricted specifically for weight control versus nonspecified reasons. Future research to understand these underlying processes will be necessary to develop emotion-based theory and evidence-based interventions for this dangerous behavior.