Comparing Abnormal Eating Behavior in Type 1 and 2 Diabetic Patients

Abstract

Diabetes management does place emphasis on strict dietary adherence, which could reinforce pre-existing “abnormal” eating behavior or indeed promote them in otherwise normal eating behavior patients. This review first defines the characteristics of eating behavior described in the literature. In type 1 diabetic patients, eating behavior disorders are more prevalent than in the control population, and are associated with poor metabolic control and greater incidence of metabolic and microvascular complications. Concerns about body weight and shape may lead to other behaviors such as self-induced vomiting and insulin omission. Data in males are, however, scarce. In type 2 patients, binge eating and overeating appear frequent and can be subject to specific approaches such as cognitive and behavioral therapy. Dietary restraint, disinhibition, and hunger rates are high in both type 1 and type 2 patients. These parameters have been associated in a complex bidirectional relationship with body-weight management. Whether the systematic evaluation of those parameters should be performed remains a matter of debate.