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Review
. 2020 Dec;9(4):412-423.
doi: 10.1007/s13679-020-00411-z. Epub 2020 Oct 27.

Weight Management in Youth with Type 1 Diabetes and Obesity: Challenges and Possible Solutions

Dessi P Zaharieva  1 , Ananta Addala  2 , Kimber M Simmons  3 , David M Maahs  2   4
Affiliations
Review

Weight Management in Youth with Type 1 Diabetes and Obesity: Challenges and Possible Solutions

Dessi P Zaharieva et al. Curr Obes Rep. 2020 Dec.

Abstract

Purpose of review: This review highlights challenges associated with weight management in children and adolescents with type 1 diabetes (T1D). Our purpose is to propose potential solutions to improve weight outcomes in youth with T1D.

Recent findings: A common barrier to weight management in T1D is reluctance to engage in exercise for fear of hypoglycemia. Healthcare practitioners generally provide limited guidance for insulin dosing and carbohydrate modifications to maintain stable glycemia during exercise. Adherence to dietary guidelines is associated with improved glycemia; however, youth struggle to meet recommendations. When psychosocial factors are addressed in combination with glucose trends, this often leads to successful T1D management. Newer medications also hold promise to potentially aid in glycemia and weight management, but further research is necessary. Properly addressing physical activity, nutrition, pharmacotherapy, and psychosocial factors while emphasizing weight management may reduce the likelihood of obesity development and its perpetuation in this population.

Keywords: Exercise; Obesity; Physical activity; Type 1 diabetes; Weight management; Youth.

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Conflict of interest statement

Conflict of Interest DPZ has received speaking honoraria from Medtronic Diabetes, Ascensia Diabetes, and Insulet. AA is supported by the Maternal Child Health Research Institute at Stanford University and is an Ernest and Amelia Gallo Endowed Postdoctoral Fellow. KMS is a consultant for Dexcom and has had research support from NIH, JDRF, and the Helmsley Charitable Trust. DMM has had research support from the NIH, JDRF, NSF, and the Helmsley Charitable Trust, and his institution has had research support from Medtronic Diabetes, Dexcom, Insulet, Bigfoot Biomedical, Tandem, and Roche. DMM has also consulted for Abbott, the Helmsley Charitable Trust, Sanofi, Novo Nordisk, Eli Lilly, Medtronic, and Insulet.

Figures

Fig. 1
Fig. 1
Possible solutions for weight management in youth with T1D
See this image and copyright information in PMC

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