Group psychoeducation for the treatment of subclinical disordered eating in women with type 1 diabetes mellitus

by Wilson, Stefanie Christine

The coexistence of type 1 diabetes and subclinical disordered eating is associated with poor blood glucose control and increased risk of long-term diabetic complications. We hypothesized chat a 6-session group psychoeducation program would improve metabolic control. diabetes treatment adherence. eating disorder symptomatology and general psychopathology. Participants (average age 3 1.9 yeürs) were assigned to the treatment group (n=8) or the wait-list control group (n=6)based on the dates that they were recruited. Subjects were assessed pre-. post-. 1 month post-. and 6 months post-intervention (6 month follow-up only in treatment group). There were no differences in how the treatment group and the control group changed cver time. indicating rhat the psychoeducation program was no more effective than the waitlist control group. Further research is needed to determine if group psychoeducation is an effective treatment for adult wornen with CO-existing diabetes and subclinical disordered eating. 1 would fust iike to acknowledge the Canadian Diabetes Association for providing the hinding for this research study. This thesis would not have been possible without the fourteen women who so enthusiastically took part in this project. Thank-you for donating so much of your time and energy to research such as imponant topic. You let me have a small glimpse into your lives and taught me things that 1 will take with me for a tifetime. A very special thanks ro my supervisor, Linda McCargar, for her endless support, encouragement and w isdom throughout this research project. Thank-you for giving me the opportunity to research a topic so dear to my heart and for dlowing me the independence to becorne a confident researcher. To al1 my fellow graduate students, thank-you for making my tirne rt the University of Alberta so mernorable and enjoyable. Thank-you to the many people who generously contributed their time and expertise to this project. Thank-you to Ellen Toth, Kim Raine-Travers, Swan Goruk and Peter Blenis, as well as the staff at the University Hospital Metabolic Centre, Dynacare-Kasper Medical Laboratories and Calgary Laboratory Services. And to Geoff, who chaiienged me to become a good researcher and a critical thinker. 1 tmly appreciate the guidance and kiendship you offered throughout my graduate program. And thank-you to a person whose boundless and generous spirit constantly amazes me. Heather, in the short the that we have known each other you have affected my life is such a positive way. Thank-you for helping me discover the best in myself. Mom and Dad, your unconditional support, encouragement and love throughout my graduate program, and always, have meant so much. Thank-you. And fmally to Craig, your enthusiasm and joy for life are an inspiration to me. Thank-you for your infmite patience, generosity and encouragement during my graduate program You have brought true happiness and love into my life, thank-you now and always.