Investigating trait emotional intelligence and perceived support from family and friends as buffering factors against disordered eating behaviours and poor glycaemic control in adolescents with type 1 diabetes

Adolescents with type 1 diabetes (T1D) face an increased risk of developing disordered eating behaviours (DEBs), exacerbating glycaemic control issues. This study, involving 60 adolescents with T1D (61.7% females) aged 13–19 (M = 15.92, SD = 1.99), aimed to investigate how trait Emotional Intelligence (EI) and perceived support influence DEBs and glycaemic control. A path analysis explored: 1) the relationship between trait EI and HbA1c levels via perceived family and friend support and DEBs, and 2) the link between zBMI and HbA1c through DEBs. Covariates included sex, age, years since diagnosis and insulin dose. zBMI positively influenced HbA1c through DEBs (β = .21, 95% BC CI [.10, .39]). Trait EI negatively influenced HbA1c through DEBs and family support (β = -0.14, 95% BCCI [−.31, −.04]). The findings highlight the importance of trait EI and family support in reducing the risks of DEBs and elevated HbA1c levels in adolescents with T1D.