Endocrinology, Diabetes & Metabolism (May 2024)

Association Between Type 1 Diabetes Mellitus and Eating Disorders: A Systematic Review and Meta‐Analysis

  • Yomna E. Dean,
  • Karam R. Motawea,
  • Muaaz Aslam,
  • Jose J. Loayza Pintado,
  • Helen A. O. Popoola‐Samuel,
  • Mohamed Salam,
  • Prashant Obed Reddy Dundi,
  • Webster Donaldy,
  • Esraa M. Aledani,
  • Zaineh Alqiqie,
  • Nazia Sultana,
  • Alaa Ramadan Hussein Mohamed,
  • Amir Elalem,
  • Sidra Tahreem Hashmi Syeda,
  • Mai Saad Mohamed,
  • Mazen W. Assal,
  • Nada M. Attia,
  • Hanan Hagar,
  • Heba Ahmed Abdelaziz,
  • Anuj Subedi,
  • Areeg Elbahaie,
  • Yusef Hazimeh,
  • Hani Aiash

DOI
https://doi.org/10.1002/edm2.473
Journal volume & issue
Vol. 7, no. 3
pp. n/a – n/a

Abstract

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ABSTRACT Background Previous meta‐analyses have shown mixed results regarding the association between eating disorders (EDs) and type 1 diabetes mellitus (T1DM). Our paper aimed to analyse different EDs and disordered eating behaviours that may be practiced by patients with T1DM. Methods A literature search of PubMed, Scopus and Web of Science was conducted on 17 January 2023, using the key terms “T1DM,” “Eating Disorders” and “Bulimia.” Only observational controlled studies were included. The Revman software (version 5.4) was used for the analysis. Results T1DM was associated with increased risk of ED compared with nondiabetic individuals (RR = 2.47, 95% CI = 1.84–3.32, p‐value < 0.00001), especially bulimia nervosa (RR = 2.80, 95% CI = 1.18–6.65, p‐value = 0.02) and binge eating (RR = 1.53, 95% CI = 1.18–1.98, p‐value = 0.001). Our analysis has shown that increased risk of ED among T1DM persisted regardless of the questionnaire used to diagnose ED; DM‐validated questionnaires (RR = 2.80, 95% CI = 1.91–4.12, p‐value < 0.00001) and generic questionnaires (RR = 2.03, 95% CI = 1.27–3.23, p‐value = 0.003). Prevalence of insulin omission/misuse was 10.3%; diabetic females demonstrated a significantly higher risk of insulin omission and insulin misuse than diabetic males. Conclusion Our study establishes a significant and clear connection between EDs and T1DM, particularly bulimia and binge eating, with T1DM. Moreover, female diabetics are at higher risk of insulin misuse/omission. Early proactive screening is essential and tailored; comprehensive interventions combining diabetes and ED components are recommended for this population, with referral to a specialised psychiatrist.

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