Diabetes-Specific Eating Disorder, Psychological Flexibility and Metabolic Control in Adolescents with Type 1 Diabetesmetabolic Diabetes

Abstract

Objective: This study aimed to evaluate the risk of diabetes-specific eating disorders (EDs) and disease acceptance in adolescents with type 1 diabetes mellitus (T1DM) and to examine their associations with metabolic control and anthropometric measurements. Material and Methods: A total of 73 adolescent with T1DM (11-19 years) participated. Data were collected face to face using questionnaires on sociodemographic and clinical characteristics, the Diabetes Eating Problem Survey-Revised (DEPS-R), and Acceptance and Action Diabetes Questionnaire (AADQ). Biochemical results and anthropometric measurements were obtained from medical records and direct assessment. Data were analyzed via SPSS and JASP. Results: Nearly half of the participants (45.2%) were at high risk for diabetes-specific EDs. The mean DEPS-R score was 21.3±12.0, and the mean AADQ score was 47.6±9.7. Skipping main meals was associated with higher DEPS-R scores (p=0.025) and lower AADQ scores (p=0.009). A weak negative correlation was found between HbA1c and AADQ score (r=-0.280, p=0.018). Conclusion: A considerable proportion of adolescents with T1DM are at high risk for EDs, and poor disease acceptance is linked to worse metabolic control. These findings underscore the importance of routine screening for disordered eating in clinical practice and the potential value of incorporating psychological flexibility-based interventions to improve outcomes.