Eating disorders between male and female adolescents with type 1 diabetes mellitus in Korea.

Sex-specific factors should be considered to induce healthy eating behavior in adolescents with type 1 diabetes and reduce eating disorders. Moreover, it is necessary for female adolescents to perceive their body type accurately, and male adolescents need exercise and nutrition education to lower their body mass index. Collaborations between medical practitioners, changes in the medical environment, and social interests are necessary. Since depression is the common factor associated with eating disorders in female and male adolescents with type 1 diabetes, a periodic depression screening test and intervention program that can lower depression should be developed. At the government level, it is necessary to strengthen economic support for cost interventions.