EATING DISORDER IN ADOLESCENTS WITH T1DM

A CONCERN ON THE RISE

Abstract

INTRODUCTION
Type 1 Diabetes (T1DM) is a chronic illness which affects the young. Managing diabetes is all about balancing the need for insulin with food. Adolescents with T1DM are at risk of having more eating disorder as compared to general population. This study aims to learn about the nutritional status and risk of eating disorder in adolescent with T1DM.

METHODOLOGY
Adolescents with T1DM were invited to participate in the study. The study was done over eight weeks, during diabetes clinic visits at University Malaya Medical Centre. Nutritional status will be determined by anthropometric measurements which includes body mass index and body fat percentage (PBF). BMI<-2SDS is considered underweight and>85Th centile for age is overweight. Eating disorder was identified using Diabetes Eating Problem Survey-Revised (DEPS-R) questionnaire. Data on diabetes control (HBA1c) and other histories were obtained from medical records.

RESULTS
There were 43 respondents, 61% were boys. Eighteen percent were Malays, 16% Indians and 9% Chinese. There were 13 adolescents between 10-12 years-old, 19 (12-15 years-old) and 11 (16-18 years old). Mean duration of having T1DM were 4.9±3.5 years and their mean HbA1c at study period were 10.3±2.7%. A total of 16% were found to be underweight and 14% were overweight and obese. There were more cases of underweight (27%) in adolescents between 16-18 years old. Boys were found to have higher PBF than girls. There were 35% adolescents who are at risk of eating disorder. Between BMI and Hba1c, BMI was found to have higher correlation to have eating disorder p=0.07 rs=0.3.

CONCLUSION
Adolescents with T1DM were found to have a high risk of having eating disorder. Screening should start early and formal assessment would assist with early diagnosis. Early referral to child psychologist may be necessary.