The impact of type 1 diabetes and eating disorders: the perspective of individuals.

Aim: To describe the perspective of individuals living with the chronic conditions of both type 1 diabetes (T1D) and eating disorders.

Background: The TID and eating disorders are major concerns in Western society with the consequence of more prevalent and severe health complications. This paper arose from research on the impact of T1D on the self of adolescents and young adults.

Design: In a larger longitudinal study (doctoral) of 27 participants (both male and females), data were collected from 1994 from 2001 using in-depth semi-structured interviews and a grounded theory approach; four female participants reported that they were experiencing T1D and an eating disorder. This subset of four participants from the original study was case analysed and the issues that arose for the participants are described using secondary analysis.

Conclusions: Issues uncovered included the complexity of managing the interactions of the physical, emotional and social dimensions as well as personal relationships for the participants. These interrelated issues interfere with all-round management of T1D and eating disorders. Recognition and management of the comorbidity that exits in substantial numbers are of paramount importance in clinical practice. It is also necessary to incorporate the support of significant others in the health care partnership.

Relevance To Clinical Practice: Health professionals who treat individuals with T1D need to be aware of the incidence of eating disorders among people with TID. Unhealthy weight control practices are of particular concern because they lead to poorer metabolic control which has a flow on effect causing micro vascular complications.