Problematic Eating And Purging Behaviour Of Female Diabetics

Purpose Nutritional intervention of diabetes mellitus should include all behaviour patterns which are associated with or inhibit a good metabolic. In the present study the prevalence of behavior patterns of such kind, for example binges, unhealthy body weight control practices, overweight and anorectic symptoms, was investigated in female diabetics.Material and Methods The study funded by Sachsen-Anhalt included 400 female diabetes mellitus patients between 18 and 60 years old from a diabetes centre. They were asked for their nutrition and purging behaviour with the help of a structured interview.Results 18% of the type-1 and 25% of the insulin- dependent type-2-diabetics reported binges. 5% of type-1 as well as insulin- dependent type2-diabetics reported skipping or taking less insulin to control their weight. Anorectic symptoms were reported by 7% diabetics type-1. In beyond 17% of type-1 and two-thirds of type-2-diabetics obesity was found. Only 59% of type-1 and a fourth part of type-2-diabetics did not show any conspicuity by nutrition, purging or body weight.Conclusion Because more than half of the explored diabetes mellitus patients displayed an unhealthy behaviour, nutritional intervention by an interdisciplinary team should be integrated. Such a team should involve close liaison between psychologists and physicians. In this context it is possible to consider the impact of psychic factors on eating behaviour. Therefore if necessary a psychotherapy of eating disorder could begin early enough.