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Item #8 

Diabetes Increases Likelihood Of Eating Disorders And Vice-Versa

Diabetes may be associated with greater likelihood of eating disorders while, patients with eating disorders may be at risk of developing diabetes.

Researchers based at Columbia University, New York, United States, recommend that clinicians screen their diabetic patients for eating disorders.

The researchers used data on 3,000 patients from eight primary care and family practices. Data sources included the PRIME-MD Patient Health Questionnaire, self-reported physical illness and social functioning information.

After adjustment for differences in demographic characteristics and co-morbid mental disorders, statistical analysis showed that diabetes was associated with a doubled likelihood of eating disorders. This effect was specific to diabetes, the researchers noted.

After adjustment for demographic characteristics and co-morbid mental and physical disorders, eating disorder was the only mental disorder associated with a significantly increased risk of diabetes.

Patients with both diabetes and eating disorders had significantly more co-morbid anxiety, panic attacks and drinking disorders than those who with either diabetes or eating disorders but not both.

These findings were consistent with reports from community-based samples, the researchers added. They called for further work to see how far the findings could be generalized and to understand the mechanism of the association between diabetes and eating disorders. International Journal of Eating Disorders 2003; 33(1):85-91

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