Diabetes - a term most of us are familiar with. When it comes to diet, health and medicine; diabetes is often talked about as a health risk. Media latches on to the topic when touting why a diet high in sugar can be dangerous. But this is only half the story. Type 2 Diabetes is most often reported and discussed in media and medicine. Media usually does not cover the medical dangers of Type 1 Diabetes. Type 1 diabetes; traditionally known as childhood diabetes has nothing to do with weight or diet. But it does have a connection with eating disorders.
What may be news to some is that those with Type 1 Diabetes are at higher risk of disordered eating. A new research study recently published in Diabetic Medicine shows that women with disordered eating and Type 1 Diabetes experience a high amount of negative emotions. The study also concluded that they spend more time in hyperglycemia (high blood sugar) than those without disordered eating.
The study had 13 women with disordered eating and Type 1 Diabetes, and 10 women in the control group with Type 1 Diabetes without disordered eating. Those in the study kept logs of what they ate and also wore a continuous monitor that measured their sugar levels. They were also asked to record emotions and behaviors around the meal, similar to what we ask of clients at Integrated Eating. In addition, they also were asked to report their insulin doses, and exercise habits.
Dr Stadler, a doctor involved in the study, states “people with eating disorders and Type 1 Diabetes spent four times longer in hyperglycemia”. In addition, Dr. Stadler says this comes with higher negative emotions and physical symptoms.
This article highlights the additional medical consequences when working with individuals with eating disorders and Type 1 Diabetes. Type 1 Diabetes in of itself is challenging and demands large behavioral changes to manage. These patients are at particular and unique risk for disordered eating.
Because disordered eating can thrive in secrecy and many times behaviors go unnoticed. This research suggests looking at glycemic levels might be a way to illuminate disordered eating. It is imperative that physicians, caretakers and nutritionists pay attention to insulin and sugar management. As parents, patients or providers it is critical to look for signs outside of the normal reported symptoms. Those working with individuals with Type 1 Diabetes should continually ask about body image and general nutrition practices to screen for eating disorder behaviors. When practitioners treating those with Type 1 Diabetes suspect disordered eating or an eating disorder, it is recommended they refer to specialists in the field for more intensive treatment .