Changes in eating attitudes during the first year of treatment for diabetes

Eating attitudes were studied in a group of newly diagnosed insulin dependent diabetics. Thirty-two patients completed the eating attitudes test and eating disorders inventory before commencing treatment and 12 months later following routine medical management. There were significant changes in several items, some of which were predicted by virtue of the diet and weight control involved in optimum diabetic management. However, there were also changes in body image which may predispose to the development of eating disorders in this group of patients.