Predictors of Comorbid Eating Disorders and Diabetes in People with Type 1 and Type 2 Diabetes.

OBJECTIVES: The objective of this study was to identify psychosocial predictors of comorbid eating disorders (EDs) in individuals with type 1 and type 2 diabetes.

METHODS: In this cross-sectional study, 140 people with diabetes answered an online survey covering sociodemographic information, body esteem, restrictive eating, medication omission, coping styles and depressive symptoms. Participants were recruited through advertisements on more than 100 websites, including forums, community organizations and Facebook groups focusing on either diabetes or EDs. Recruitment took place in Canada, Europe, Australia and the United States.

RESULTS: On average, EDs developed after diabetes diagnoses in participants with type 1 diabetes but prior to diabetes diagnosis in participants with type 2 diabetes. In type 1 diabetes, avoidance coping styles and depressive symptoms predicted an additional diagnosis of EDs. Co-occurring EDs and type 2 diabetes were predicted by body mass indexes and task-oriented coping strategies.

CONCLUSIONS: Variables potentially influencing the development of EDs in people with diabetes differ according to the type of diabetes, body mass indexes, coping styles and depressive symptoms; they should be more systematically evaluated and closely monitored. In the context of diabetes management, prevention strategies for ED onset based on increased knowledge of the risk factors associated with EDs are necessary and could help decrease the risk for the health complications of diabetes.