Objective: This systematic review aimed to examine disordered eating behaviors (DEBs) in youth with type 2 diabetes. Specifically, we sought to describe the most common DEBs, identify risk and protective factors, and review screening tools and interventions that have been developed for and/or used in this population.
Research design and methods: A systematic review was performed of randomized controlled, quasi-experimental, case, and qualitative studies focused on DEBs in youth with type 2 diabetes. All studies were rated for quality by the first and second authors.
Results: Five reports from four unique studies were included in the review. Trends found in the reviewed studies included that approximately half of youth study participants with type 2 diabetes had elevated scores on the Diabetes Eating Problem Survey-Revised. Based on the limited data available, these youth were more likely to engage in DEBs than youth with type 1 diabetes. Risk factors for DEBs in youth with type 2 diabetes included obesity, body weight/shape concerns, and caregiver subclinical binge eating.
Conclusion: There is very limited published literature regarding DEBs in youth with type 2 diabetes, suggesting a need for further research to better develop a framework to illuminate key influential variables in the development of DEBs in this population, further develop screening tools, and design effective interventions.
© 2024 by the American Diabetes Association.