Examining The Relationship Between Diabetes Mellitus and Eating Disorders
Author(s)
Viktória Beke, BSc1, Patrik Bogdán, BSc, MSc1, József Betlehem, BSc, MSc, PhD1, Imre Boncz, MSc, PhD, MD2, Annamaria Pakai, MSc, RN, PhD3.
1Institute of Emergency Care, Pedagogy of Health and Nursing Sciences, University of Pécs, Pécs, Hungary, 2Institute for Health Insurance, University of Pécs, Pécs, Hungary, 3Institute of Emergency Care, Pedagogy of Health and Nursing Sciences, University of Pécs, Szombathely, Hungary.
1Institute of Emergency Care, Pedagogy of Health and Nursing Sciences, University of Pécs, Pécs, Hungary, 2Institute for Health Insurance, University of Pécs, Pécs, Hungary, 3Institute of Emergency Care, Pedagogy of Health and Nursing Sciences, University of Pécs, Szombathely, Hungary.
OBJECTIVES: The aim of our study was to assess the prevalence of eating disorders and depression among patients with diabetes mellitus.
METHODS: We conducted a quantitative, cross-sectional study between December 2024 and February 2025. The non-random, purposive sample included individuals diagnosed with diabetes. Exclusion criteria were age under 18, presence of psychiatric illness, and gestational diabetes. Data were collected using an online questionnaire composed of self-developed items and validated instruments, including the Zung Self-Rating Depression Scale and the Night Eating Disorder Questionnaire (NED-Q). Data analysis was performed using descriptive statistics (mean, standard deviation, minimum, maximum) and inferential statistics (t-test, ANOVA, Chi-square test, correlation, linear regression) with Microsoft Excel Office 2020 and IBM SPSS v27.0. Results were presented with frequency and confidence intervals, with statistical significance set at p<0.05.
RESULTS: According to the NED-Q, 32.4% of respondents suffered from night eating syndrome, while 67.6% showed no signs of eating disorders. The syndrome was significantly less prevalent among patients following a diet (p=0.015) and those with normal HbA1c levels (p<0.001). No significant associations were found between NED-Q scores and triglyceride (p=0.189), HDL (p=0.766), or LDL cholesterol levels (p=0.409). Our findings do not support the hypothesis that lipid profile parameters influence the presence of eating disorders. However, the risk of binge eating disorder was significantly higher among overweight individuals (p=0.014) and those with multiple comorbidities (p=0.013).
CONCLUSIONS: Our study highlights that depression and eating disorders in diabetic patients can be influenced by various factors. Healthcare professionals should pay close attention to assessing patients’ eating behaviors and supporting their mental well-being.
METHODS: We conducted a quantitative, cross-sectional study between December 2024 and February 2025. The non-random, purposive sample included individuals diagnosed with diabetes. Exclusion criteria were age under 18, presence of psychiatric illness, and gestational diabetes. Data were collected using an online questionnaire composed of self-developed items and validated instruments, including the Zung Self-Rating Depression Scale and the Night Eating Disorder Questionnaire (NED-Q). Data analysis was performed using descriptive statistics (mean, standard deviation, minimum, maximum) and inferential statistics (t-test, ANOVA, Chi-square test, correlation, linear regression) with Microsoft Excel Office 2020 and IBM SPSS v27.0. Results were presented with frequency and confidence intervals, with statistical significance set at p<0.05.
RESULTS: According to the NED-Q, 32.4% of respondents suffered from night eating syndrome, while 67.6% showed no signs of eating disorders. The syndrome was significantly less prevalent among patients following a diet (p=0.015) and those with normal HbA1c levels (p<0.001). No significant associations were found between NED-Q scores and triglyceride (p=0.189), HDL (p=0.766), or LDL cholesterol levels (p=0.409). Our findings do not support the hypothesis that lipid profile parameters influence the presence of eating disorders. However, the risk of binge eating disorder was significantly higher among overweight individuals (p=0.014) and those with multiple comorbidities (p=0.013).
CONCLUSIONS: Our study highlights that depression and eating disorders in diabetic patients can be influenced by various factors. Healthcare professionals should pay close attention to assessing patients’ eating behaviors and supporting their mental well-being.
Conference/Value in Health Info
2025-11, ISPOR Europe 2025, Glasgow, Scotland
Value in Health, Volume 28, Issue S2
Code
EPH100
Topic
Epidemiology & Public Health, Health Policy & Regulatory, Health Service Delivery & Process of Care
Topic Subcategory
Public Health
Disease
Diabetes/Endocrine/Metabolic Disorders (including obesity)