Eating disorders in adolescents with type 1 diabetes mellitus.
Although the causes of eating disorders remain unclear, epidemiological evidence suggests that peripubertal changes in body shape and weight predispose young women to develop unhealthy eating attitudes. A psychiatric diagnosis of an eating disorder can be made in up to 10% of young women with insulin-dependent diabetes mellitus (type 1 diabetes). Eating disorders, anorexia nervosa and bulimia nervosa, pose a particularly serious risk to health in young diabetic people. Several features associated with type 1 diabetes and its treatment, such as weight gain, dietary restraint and food preoccupation, may predispose young diabetic women to develop a clinical or subclinical eating disorder. The coexistence of these conditions could lead to poor metabolic control and an increased risk of microvascular complications.
Verrotti
A
A
Department of Pediatrics, University of Chieti, Ospedale Policlinico, Via dei Vestini 5, I-66100 Chieti, Italy.
Catino
M
M
De Luca
F A
FA
Morgese
G
G
Chiarelli
F
F
D000293:Adolescent; D003922:Diabetes Mellitus, Type 1 / Q000503:physiopathology / Q000523:psychology* / Q000628:therapy; D001068:Feeding and Eating Disorders / Q000209:etiology*; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D000297:Psychology, Adolescent