642-P: Physicians' Knowledge and Attitudes of Disordered Eating Behaviors among Patients with Diabetes

Abstract

Patients diagnosed with type 1 and type 2 Diabetes Mellitus (DM) are at increased risk for developing clinical disordered eating behaviors (DEBs) . Although research supports this higher incidence and the impact on health outcomes, few studies have assessed physicians’ knowledg,attitudes and training to identify and treat DEB. The American Diabetes Associations’ 2021 Standards of Care included a new section aboutDEB, further highlighting the importance of addressing this issue. Our goal was to assess physicians’ level of training, comfort and attitudes towards providing clinical care to patients diagnosed with DM and their experience in assessing, identifying, and treating DEBs in this patient population. The cross-sectional study, a 17-question online survey through Qualtrics, was developed by modifying questionnaires from the Michigan Diabetes Research Center and was emailed to participants. The response size was 34 physicians or medical residents that provide care for patients diagnosed with DM. 97% of the physicians were endocrinologists with years of experience ranging from 6-35 years. 58.8% reported not having received any education about identifying or assessing for DEB among patients diagnosed with DM during or after their professional training. 67.6% identified that they did not believe they have the resources available to assist a patient with DEB; requested suggestions included an online learning course, screening questionnaires and specialty training. These research results highlight possible gaps in medical education programs regarding training around DEB. Our future plans are to address this by creating continuing medical education training modules for endocrinologists and endocrinology residents focused on the evaluation, diagnosis, and treatment of DEB in patients diagnosed with DM. We anticipate that this will help to enhance the knowledge and skills of physicians and residents in the clinical care and support of patients diagnosed with DM. Disclosure L. Schmeltz: Research Support; Abbott Diabetes. Speaker's Bureau; Abbott Diabetes, Dexcom, Inc., Lilly, Novo Nordisk, Xeris Pharmaceuticals, Inc. V. Uhley: None. M.R. Brennan: Advisory Panel; Insulet Corporation. Speaker's Bureau; Novo Nordisk. Other Relationship; Bayer AG.