The relationship between negative communication and body image dissatisfaction in adolescent females with Type 1 Diabetes Mellitus

Maladaptive eating attitudes and behaviors are common in adolescent females with Type 1 Diabetes Mellitus (T1DM). This research assessed potential pathways through which individual and familial factors relate to treatment adherence and glycemic control. Seventy-five females with T1DM (aged 11-17 years) and their mothers completed questionnaires regarding communication, diabetes management, and eating attitudes and behaviors. Hierarchical regression analyses found that body image dissatisfaction moderates the relationship between negative communication and maladaptive eating attitudes and behaviors. Treatment adherence mediates the relationship between maladaptive eating attitudes and behaviors and glycemic control. None of the participants endorsed omitting insulin for the purposes of weight management. This study highlights the need to address familial and individual factors along with treatment adherence within this population.