Eating Disorders in Young Women with IDDM: The Need for Prevention

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Abstract
A cycle of dieting, bingeing, and purging associated with eating disorders may be triggered in susceptible adolescent females with insulin-dependent diabetes mellitus (IDDM) because of features associated with the disease and its treatment. These disturbed eating behaviors significantly impair diabetes control and, thus, increase the risk of long-term diabetes-related complications. Early intervention is indicated to decrease the risk of long-term complications and prevent the progression from subclinical disturbed eating attitudes and behaviors to full-syndrome eating disorders. Group psychoeducational therapy has promise as a prevention and early intervention measure.