Endocrine Abstracts

Introduction: Eating disorders (ED) are more prevalent among obese individuals with type 2 diabetes than in the general population. The co-occurrence of diabetes and ED can impair metabolic control, resulting in earlier and more severe degenerative complications, as well as increased morbidity and mortality. This study aims to assess the prevalence of eating disorders in obese patients with type 2 diabetes.

Method: A cross-sectional descriptive study was conducted at the endocrinology department of the National Institute of Nutrition and Food Technology. Forty-five obese type 2 diabetic patients were recruited. Each patient was asked to complete two questionnaires, the Bulimic Investigatory Test Edinburgh (BITE) and Sick, Control, One stone, Fat, Food (SCOFF). Anthropometric measurements and dietary survey data were collected for each patient.

Results: The mean age of the population was 58.2±12.5 years, with a female predominance (91.1%). The mean Body Mass Index (BMI) was 34.8±5.2 kg/m². All participants had android obesity. Eating disorders were present in 95.6% of the population, with unspecified type in all cases and specified type (according to the SCOFF questionnaire) in 35.6% of patients. According to the BITE questionnaire, bulimia/binge eating was found in 11% of patients. The most common unspecified eating disorder was cognitive restriction (71.1%). Night eating syndrome, external eating, and snacking were observed in 56%, 62.2%, and 49% respectively. A statistically significant positive correlation was found between eating disorders and anthropometric parameters: weight (P=0.016), BMI (P=0.004), waist circumference (P=0.018), and obesity class (P=0.012). No significant association was found between eating disorders and glycemic control, except for purging disorders (P=0.009). There were no significant association found between glycaemic control and ED. Among the degenerative complications of diabetes, only neuropathy was significantly associated with snacking (P=0.013).

Conclusions: The prevalence of eating disorders is significant among obese type 2 diabetics, highlighting the importance of early detection and appropriate management of these disorders.