Insulin-Related Disordered Eating Behaviour: A Scoping Review of Evidence

Purpose of Review Current understanding of insulin-related disordered eating behaviour is limited by inconsistencies in terminology and measurement. Prevalence of the behaviour and characteristics of individuals are unclear. How best to intervene and with whom is therefore unknown. This scoping review summarises existing knowledge as a first step to addressing the problem. Eligible sources investigated individuals with T1D restricting or inflating insulin with disordered eating motivations. Charted data included study aims, sample characteristics, measures, and key findings. Recent Findings Samples converged on adolescent females in USA, Canada and western Europe. Numerous measures were used, few had received extensive validation. Prevalence estimates, and models of development and maintenance were inconsistent. Summary The validity and generalisability of measures should be improved, particularly so that diverse perspectives (e.g., males, non-Western cultures), so far overlooked, are captured. Identity and social relationships appeared particularly important in the development and maintenance of insulin-related disordered eating behaviour and recovery, and could be a potential target for interventions.