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ARS Home » Plains Area » Houston, Texas » Children's Nutrition Research Center » Research » Publications at this Location » Publication #344508
Title: Food and eating behaviors among adolescents with type 1 diabetes and their parents

Author
item GOYNOR, CAROLINE - Baylor College Of Medicine
item ESHTEHARDI, SAHAR - Baylor College Of Medicine
item CAO, VIENA - Baylor College Of Medicine
item MCKINNEY, BRETT - Indiana University School Of Medicine
item ANDERSON, BARBARA - Baylor College Of Medicine
item MARRERO, DAVID - University Of Arizona
item Thompson, Deborah - Debbe
item HILLIARD, MARISA - Baylor College Of Medicine

Submitted to: Meeting Abstract
Publication Type: Abstract Only
Publication Acceptance Date: 7/28/2017
Publication Date: 10/18/2017
Citation: Goynor, C.J., Eshtehardi, S.S., Cao, V.T., Mckinney, B.M., Anderson, B.J., Marrero, D.G., Thompson, D.J., Hilliard, M.E. 2017. Food and eating behaviors among adolescents with type 1 diabetes and their parents [abstract]. 43rd Annual Conference of the International Society for Pediatric and Adolescent Diabetes. October 18-21, 2017; Innsbruck, Austria. Poster P272.

Interpretive Summary:

Technical Abstract: Type 1 diabetes (T1D) management involves constant attention to food. In addition to glycemic goals, healthy weight and BMI are important clinical targets, especially in adolescence. Adolescence is a sensitive time for discussions around eating and weight, and risks are elevated for disordered eating behaviors (DEB). Teens with T1D are particularly at risk for DEB due to increased focus on dietary intake, and to insulin-related weight gain after diagnosis and on intensive insulin regimens. The aim of this study was to understand food/eating behaviors and attitudes among teens with T1D to inform care and prevent DEB. From a larger qualitative study of diabetes-related quality of life, data were analyzed from semi-structured interviews with 8 adolescent-parent dyads (teen age 12-17 years, M=14.4±1.59, 38% female; 75% mothers). Interviews were audio-recorded, transcribed and coded for feelings and behaviors related to food and eating. Common teen themes included using food strategically for blood glucose management, feeling different than family/peers due to food's role in T1D self-management, and food restrictions. Parent themes included efforts to achieve fairness among family members' eating, limiting "junk" food/promoting healthy food choices, and emotions of family members related to food and eating. Parents and teens have different approaches to food and eating that may be adaptive or maladaptive. Clinicians, in collaboration with mental health professionals and nutritionists, can guide an early and ongoing discussion about food and eating to support optimal T1D management and quality of life. With elevated risk for DEB, identifying and addressing maladaptive teen and family approaches to food/eating may be an important step to prevent DEB.