Comorbity of eating disorders and depression in T1DM patients: challenges and tasks for dietetician - a pilot study

Aim of the study The aim was to assess the occurrence of eating disorders (ED) in type 1 diabetes (T1DM) patients being under regular diabetologist care, that qualify for a visit to a psychologist and to evaluate possible correlation of eating disorders with symptoms of depression and anxiety in this population. Subject or material and methods The study included a selected group of 27 adult patients (55.5%- women) with T1DM under the constant care at the diabetes clinic. The following tools were used: to assess depression and anxiety, used the Patient Health Questionnaire (PHQ-9) and Center for Epidemiological Studies Depression Questionnaire (CES-D); EAT-26 assessed ED screening and Mood Disorder Questionnaire (MDQ) – other problems. Results Based on the overall assessment of the EAT-26 test as many as 7% of group was problem, which manifested a high level of concern about dieting, body weight or problematic eating behaviors. Additional the 25.9% people reported high depressive. We showed a relationship between ED and depression. Discussion There was a similar frequency of eating disorders ED eating disorders have elevated glycated haemoglobin (HbA1c), however, in our study, the mean HbA1c was 6.85% (51 mmol/mol) - fairly good glycemic control. In addition, a correlation between ED and depression has been noted, and patients with type 1 diabetes are very sensitive to both disorders. Conclusions People suffering from type 1 diabetes, due to the increased risk of eating disorders or depression, require comprehensive care of a therapeutic team, which should include a diabetologist, psychologist, psychiatrist, diabetes educator, nurse, nutritionist.