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Does body image influence insulin misuse among women with disordered eating and type 1 diabetes?
Project Name: Does body image influence insulin misuse among women with disordered eating and type 1 diabetes?
Institutions involved: University of Guelph
Investgators involved: Dr. Judy Sheeshka, Dr. Janet Madill, Robyn Tyo
Funding source: University of Guelph, Ontario Ministry of Health and Long-Term Care
Inclusion criteria: University of Guelph
Brief abstract of project and relevance: A trend of girls and women with disordered eating behaviours exhibiting higher frequency of insulin misuse for the purpose of weight control has been identified. Insulin misuse (or under-dosing, omission, etc.), though, results in higher blood glucose levels and increases the risk of developing diabetes related complications. It is important to identify the motivations behind these dangerous insulin misuse behaviours in an attempt to prevent or minimize these risks for women in the future. For this reason, I will be doing qualitative research for the duration of my studies.
I will conduct one-on-one interviews with women who have type 1 diabetes who misuse their insulin as a weight control strategy. My goal is to understand the experience of restricting insulin for weight control purposes and the decision-making process behind this behaviour. Further, I would like to understand how body image influences a woman’s decision to jeopardize her health in this way.
Rationale for posting: for recruitment
Ethical Approval: #12JL013
Project start date: September 2012
Project end date: February 2013
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