Diet quality can be improved without increasing disordered eating behaviors, researchers concluded after conducting an analysis involving youths with type 1 diabetes. Participants took part in an 18-month behavioral intervention, during which time they reported disordered eating behaviors and diabetes management. Investigators also recorded various diabetes-related measures, and looked at 1) how the intervention impacted disordered eating behavior; 2) the link between disordered eating behavior and diabetes adherence, glycemic control, and glycemic variability; and 3) whether disordered eating behavior impacted glycemic trajectories. Among the results:

• The intervention did not have an effect on disordered eating behavior.
• Disordered eating behavior was linked with higher HbA1c, as well as glucose values >180 mg/dL.
• It was also linked with lower 1,5-anhydroglucitol, and worse diabetes adherence.
• Disordered eating behavior was not linked with glucose values <70 mg/dL or any glycemic variability measures.
• Patients reporting less disordered eating behavior experienced deteriorating glycemic control over time.
• Those reporting more of this behavior had poor glycemic control at baseline that remained poor.