Correlates of Dietary Intake in Youth with Diabetes: Results from the SEARCH for Diabetes in Youth Study

ObjectiveTo explore demographic, socioeconomic, diabetes-related, and behavioral correlates of dietary intake of dairy, fruit, vegetables, sweetened soda, fiber, calcium, and saturated fat in youth with diabetes.MethodsCross-sectional study of youth 10-22 years old with type 1 (T1DM, n = 2,176) and type 2 diabetes (T2DM, n = 365). Association of dietary intake, demographics, socioeconomic status, behavioral, and diabetes-related measures was explored with quantile regression.ResultsT1DM males had lower consumption of vegetables, fruit, and fiber, and higher consumption of soda and saturated fat than females (P < .01). African Americans had lower dairy and higher soda intake than non-Hispanic T1DM whites (P < .01). Soda consumption was higher in older T2DM youth than in younger participants (P < .01). Lifestyle and physical activity patterns were also significantly associated with dietary intake.Conclusions and ImplicationsIdentified demographic and behavioral correlates may help dietitians to focus on groups of youth with diabetes who have lower adherence to a healthful diet. Diet counseling groups may be tailored according to these major determinants.