Association between type 2 diabetes and binge eating disorder

INTRODUCTION. Binge eating disorder (BED) was recently recognised as a distinct diagnosis in Denmark. The estimated prevalence of BED in the general population in Denmark is 2-3%. The BED prevalence among patients with type 2 diabetes (T2D) in Denmark remains unknown. This small-scale preliminary cohort study aims to estimate the BED prevalence in obese T2D patients.

METHODS. Patients with T2D and a BMI ≥ 30 kg/m² were recruited from the Steno Diabetes Center Odense outpatient clinic. Patients were screened and categorised into three groups using the Binge Eating Disorder Questionnaire as follows: indication of BED, subthreshold BED symptoms and no BED. Additional clinical data were collected and analysed using group comparison statistics and clinical descriptions.

RESULTS. A total of 84 patients were included; 9.5% of these obese patients with T2D showed indication of BED, while an additional 8.3% showed subthreshold manifestations of BED. Patients with T2D and indication of BED had a significantly lower age, an earlier diabetes onset and a higher BMI than patients with T2D but without BED.

CONCLUSIONS. This study suggested an increased prevalence of BED in obese patients with T2D compared to the general population, suggesting that systematic BED screening may be relevant for this population. Further research is needed to elucidate the association between BED and T2D fully.

FUNDING. None.

TRIAL REGISTRATION. Not relevant.