According to a new study from the University of Surrey, health professionals need to help better support in recognizing and treating the symptoms of eating disorders in people living with type 1 diabetes.
Disabled diets in people living with type 1 diabetes are often referred to as T1DE. Diabrimia is an example of T1DE, a dangerous eating disorder that involves intentional misuse of insulin for weight loss. Leading by Dr. Katie Fitzgerald and overseen by Dr. Rose Marie Sazare, Sally's new research highlights the challenges healthcare professionals face when recognizing and treating T1DE.
This study, published in Diabetes Medicine, found that medical professionals actually face difficulties in identifying and dealing with T1DE. This is due to lack of support, limited confidence, fear of patient responses and damage to the relationship between patient health providers. This can lead to delayed diagnosis and complications that can be life-threatening for the patient.
This study found that some health professionals often recognize T1DE as a “inevitable” outcome of living with type 1 diabetes, leading to feelings of helplessness. This perspective, coupled with lack of training and clear guidelines, can contribute to missed opportunities for early detection and support.
Our study highlights the need for better training and clear clinical guidelines to assist healthcare professionals in dealing with impaired eating in adults with type 1 diabetes. The phrase “little black hole” used by one participant properly captures the uncertainty and confusion surrounding T1DE.
The real fear and lack of confidence these experts experience, so we need to address the intersection of physical and mental health in diabetes care. We need to equip our teams with effective communication strategies that are dedicated to psychologically, in addition to the tools and support needed to have these important conversations to improve patient health. ”
Dr. Rose Marie Sutherley, research co-author and Lecturer in Clinical Psychology, University of Surrey
