Binge Eating Disorder in Non-Insulin Dependent Diabetic Individuals

Abstract

There is probably no other disease that requires a greater preoccupation with weight and food than diabetes. Paradoxically, an excessive preoccupation with food and weight is characteristic of eating disorders. The traditional treatment goal of weight loss in NIDDM individuals may be a causative factor in disturbing eating patterns. When disordered eating commences, behavioral self-management techniques become ineffective in controlling intake and weight managementThis research examined the incidence of BED in NIDDM patients of several physician's offices and a diabetes treatment center. The instrument used was “The Questionnaire on Eating and Weight Control”, and established the BED diagnosis. This study excluded subjects having diabetes for less than one year, and those exhibiting purging behaviors.The results of this study found 25% of the subjects (n=40) meeting or being borderline in meeting the BED diagnosis. Meeting the diagnosis appeared to be associated with a higher degree of obesity as measured by body mass index (BMI). Significant differences were also found comparing the number of weight fluctuations to BMI, supporting earlier research associating BED to severe obesity and a history of weight fluctuations. The hypothesis predicting a positive correlation between the severity of BED and the degree of obesity was not supported by this research, however these results are somewhat tentative due to the insufficient number of subjectsAlthough some research has shown an extremely strong correlation between level of BMI and the risk for diabetes, this does not necessarily suggest that lowering the BMI is an attainable or advisable goal for everyone. Studies have correlated dieting and weight loss attempts to feelings of starvation and possible subsequent episodes of overeating and weight gain. Current research indicates that nutrition therapy for NIDDM individuals should concentrate on lipid and blood pressure goals rather than the automatic goal of weight loss to improve health. Medical providers need to assess NIDDM patients for BED to plan and implement effective treatment measures for a significant number of individuals.