Weight and Type 1 Diabetes: What New Research Reveals About Adults Living With Both

A new study of nearly 460 adults with type 1 diabetes found that 38.8% were overweight and 14.8% were living with obesity. This means that just over half of participants had a BMI above the normal range. Among those with obesity, most had mild obesity, though some had more severe cases.

The average age of participants was about 45 years old, and roughly 56% were women. Their average blood sugar control (HbA1c) was 7.57%, and their average BMI was 26.0 kg/m².

The researchers found that several factors were connected to being overweight or living with obesity in people with type 1 diabetes. Older age was one factor. Living with children in the home was another. People taking higher total daily doses of insulin also tended to have higher body weight.

The study also looked at psychological and behavioral factors. A higher score on a diabetes eating problems survey—which measures struggles with emotional eating and food-related distress—was associated with higher weight. People receiving lipid-lowering therapy (medications for cholesterol) were also more likely to be overweight or living with obesity.

An interesting finding was that higher scores on a diabetes quality-of-life measure focused on diabetes-related worries were linked to higher weight. This suggests that anxiety and concerns about managing type 1 diabetes may be intertwined with weight management challenges. This is an example of how emotional well-being and physical health are often connected.

The researchers emphasize that weight status in type 1 diabetes involves multiple influences at once—biological factors like insulin therapy, behavioral patterns like eating habits, and psychological factors like stress and worry about diabetes care.

This research confirms that weight is a relevant health topic for many adults with type 1 diabetes. Because multiple factors are involved—from insulin needs to emotional eating to quality-of-life concerns—approaches to weight management may need to address more than just diet and exercise.

If you're living with type 1 diabetes and concerned about your weight, this research highlights why talking with your care team about the whole picture—including how you're managing emotionally and practically—can be helpful. Support for diabetes-related stress and anxiety may be as important as nutritional guidance.

Source: International journal of obesity (2005). Evidence type: PubMed indexed literature. Type1Cure is an information and intelligence hub, not a medical advice service. This article summarizes published research and does not provide diagnosis, treatment, or personal medical guidance. Always talk to your own care team before changing anything about your Type 1 diabetes management.