Eating disordered behaviour and depressive symptomatology in women with type II diabetes : a clinic based study

Abstract

A vast quantity of literature exists examining the relationship between Insulin Dependent Diabetes Mellitus (IDDM) and eating disordered symptomatology, however little is known about such behaviour among Non-insulin Dependent Diabetes Mellitus (NIDDM) populations. Obesity has been identified as a risk factor in the development of NIDDM and the treatment of choice for obese patients with type II diabetes is dieting to promote weight loss. In addition, there appears to be an association between dieting and binge eating. Such factors considered, it seems imperative to address the issue of eating disordered behaviour in NIDDM populations.

The few studies conducted in this area indicate that eating disordered behaviour may be a problem for this population. However it is not known whether this finding translates to clinic populations. Furthermore, past studies have also found high rates of depressive symptomatology among diabetic populations.

The present study aimed to assess the prevalence and severity of binge eating and depressive symptomatology and possible associations between the two, in a clinic population of women with NIDDM. Of further interest was the occurrence of dieting behaviour and the relationship between binge eating, depressive symptomatology, insulin­ manipulation, obesity, glycemic control, duration of diabetes and medical illnesses.

Although both binge eating and depressive symptomatology were significantly more prevalent and severe in the diabetic population, the rate of binge eating was not as high as that found in past research. Binge eating and depressive symptomatology were also associated. Furthermore, although dieting behaviour per se was not significantly more prevalent, the diabetic group indicated significant dissatisfaction with their current weight and body shape. In addition, both binge eating and dieting were associated with poorer glycemic control. The prevalence of insulin manipulation among NIDDM women was comparable to many studies using IDDM populations. Reasons for these findings are discussed in light of the existing literature and possible future research areas are addressed.