Abstract
The period of adolescence and a diagnosis of type 1 diabetes increase the risk of eating disorders, and specifically disordered eating behaviours, which have a significant impact on blood glucose levels and can result in short- and longterm complications. The necessary focus on dietary intake, portion precision and carbohydrate counting as part of the management of their diabetes can result in adolescents developing a fixation on food, a negative body image, and ‘dialbulimia’.
Eating disorders are common in girls but also occurs in boys and is often under recognised.
This article describes the links between body image and disordered eating behaviours and considers how recognition and treatment can be improved in practice.
