Increased bolus overrides and lower time in range: Insights into disordered eating revealed by insulin pump metrics and continuous glucose monitor data in Australian adolescents with type 1 diabetes

Abstract

Aims: To determine the prevalence of disordered eating behaviors (DEB) in a population of Australian adolescents with T1D and to investigate clinical parameters, insulin pump therapy (IPT) and continuous glucose monitor (CGM) data trends, and psychological attributes associated with DEB.

Methods: 50 participants (27 female, 23 male, average age 15.2 years, average duration of diabetes 6.2 years) were recruited. Diabetes Eating Problem Survey-Revised (DEPS-R) and Strengths and Difficulties Questionnaires were completed. Prevalence of disordered eating was reported, and associations with clinical parameters, insulin pump therapy (IPT) and continuous glucose monitor (CGM) metrics were assessed.

Results: Twenty-four participants (48 %) had an elevated DEPS-R score. Participants with elevated DEPS-R were more likely to be female (75 % vs 31.6 %, p = 0.004), have a higher HbA1c (8.2 %/67 mmol/mol vs. 6.9 %/51 mmol/mol, p < 0.002) and BMI Z-score (+1.28 SD vs +0.76 SD, p = 0.040). They had lower time in range, 3.9-10 mmol/L (50.3 % vs. 63.8 %, p = 0.01) and higher mean glucose (10.0 mmol/L vs. 8.3 mmol/L, p = 0.005). Of the 60 % using IPT, participants with elevated DEPS-R had increased meal bolus overrides (7.9 % vs 3.8 %, p = 0.047). Reported difficulties on SDQ were higher in the elevated DEPS-R group (18.3 vs 10.5, p < 0.002).

Conclusions: DEB are common in Australian adolescents with T1D and associated with increased dysglycemia. Diabetes technology cannot be solely relied upon for detection of DEB and there remains a need for routine screening.

Keywords: Body mass index; Continuous glucose monitor; Disordered eating behaviors; Eating disorders; Insulin pump; Type 1 diabetes.