Brief Report: Disordered Eating and Psychosocial Factors in Adolescent Females with Type 1 Diabetes Mellitus

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate whether insulin pump therapy [continuous subcutaneous insulin infusion (CSII)] is associated with a lower frequency of disordered eating, better glycemic control, and improved quality of life and self-efficacy compared to multiple daily injections (MDI) in adolescent females with type 1 diabetes mellitus (T1DM). METHODS: This cross-sectional study included 22 adolescent females using CSII and 47 adolescent females using MDI who completed standardized questionnaires measuring disordered eating, quality of life, and self-efficacy. Most recent glycosylated hemoglobin (HbA1(c)) and measures of personal characteristics were drawn from medical records. RESULTS: The CSII group exhibited better glycemic control and reported higher quality of life and more self-efficacy. However, the groups did not differ significantly on disordered eating behaviors and attitudes. CONCLUSION: Insulin pump therapy may provide a means for improving glycemic control, quality of life, and self-efficacy in adolescent females with type 1 diabetes.