Opened the debate
It is a privilege to have secured a debate on the chronic but often misunderstood condition of type 1 diabetes and disordered eating, known as T1DE. Separately, these conditions are well-known but together they exacerbate each other and can become life-threatening. Type 1 diabetes requires constant monitoring and management through insulin injections and blood glucose tests. The strict attention to diet and nutrition necessary for managing type 1 diabetes can sometimes lead to unhealthy eating habits, especially in the form of disordered eating. Up to 40% of women and girls with type 1 diabetes experience some form of disordered eating, leading to serious medical consequences such as kidney problems, bone wastage, amputations, blindness, and death. There is a need for joined-up services that combine diabetes care and eating disorder support. NHS England's T1DE pilot sites are trailblazing projects that offer hope for faster recovery from T1DE and reduced hospital admissions. The Government should ensure long-term funding for these pilots to build sustainable services across the country. Additionally, there is a need for increased awareness of T1DE within general practice and eating disorder services to ensure tailored care.