Experimental Biomedical Research
The interplay between diabetes distress, disordered eating behaviors, and antidiabetic medications in Type 2 diabetes mellitus
By Şebnem Burhan and Muhammed Zeki Cicek.
Abstract
Aim
Type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) imposes psychological and behavioral challenges. While prior research links eating habits, distress, and glycemic control, few studies explore these factors together. This study assessed the associations between night eating, eating patterns, diabetes distress (DDS), glycemic control, BMI, gender, and medication use in adults with T2DM.
Methods
This study included 105 adults with T2DM. Night eating behavior, eating patterns, and DDS were evaluated using the Night Eating Questionnaire (NEQ), the 18-item version of the Three-Factor Eating Questionnaire-Revised (TFEQ-R18), and the Diabetes Distress Scale (DDS).
Results
NEQ score correlated with BMI (r=0.38, p=0.001) and remained significant after adjusting for age, gender, and HbA1c (p=0.002). TFEQ-R18 emotional eating inversely correlated with BMI (r=−0.36, p=0.001) and persisted after adjustment (p=0.004). Uncontrolled eating and cognitive restraint showed no links. Men scored higher on emotional eating than women (10.0 ± 2.54 vs. 8.69 ± 3.20, p = 0.02). Poor glycemic control had higher DDS emotional burden and regimen-related distress; NEQ and TFEQ-R18 scores did not differ by glycemic status or medication classes.