The factors associated with orthorexia nervosa in type 2 diabetes and their effect on diabetes self-management scores

Abstract

Purpose This study aimed to determine the factors affecting the ORTO-R scores in individuals with T2DM and to investigate their effect on diabetes self-management. Methods The study included 373 individuals with type 2 diabetes between the ages of 18–65 who applied to Akdeniz University Hospital Endocrinology and Metabolic Diseases Polyclinic between January and May 2022. A questionnaire including sociodemographic data, information about diabetes, and nutritional habits, and the ORTO-R and Type 2 Diabetes Self-Management Scales were used to collect data. Linear regression analysis was performed to determine the factors affecting ORTO-R. Results The linear regression analysis showed that age, gender, education level, and duration of diabetes affected ORTO-R scores in patients with type 2 diabetes. Body mass index, comorbidities (cardiovascular diseases, kidney diseases and hypertension), diabetes-related complications, diabetes treatment method and dieting had no significant contribution to the model (p > 0.05). We also found that education level, comorbidities, diabetes-related complications, diabetes treatment method, dieting, and BMI can affect diabetes self-management. Conclusion It should be kept in mind that type 2 diabetes are at risk of orthorexia nervosa (ON) in terms of various aspects such as age, gender, education level and duration of diabetes. Since the factors affecting the risk of ON and the factors affecting diabetes self-management are intertwined, orthorexic tendencies should be kept under control while trying to increase self-management in these patients. In this respect, developing individual recommendations according to the psychosocial characteristics of patients may be an effective approach. Level of evidence Level V, cross-sectional study.

Eating Disorders: Assessing Its Prevalence and Pattern Among Adults With Type 2 Diabetes

“…Individuals who were graduates showed the highest prevalence of EDs as compared to participants who had primary or secondary education. This positive correlation with education contradicts a study finding that investigated the unclassifiable EDs and found the association the other way around [29], and further investigation may be warranted to explore the underlying factors contributing to this association. Similarly, a correlation between exercise and EDs was also seen in our study.…”

Eating Disorders and Diabetes: Facing the Dual Challenge

“…However, the focus on maintaining a healthy diet in diabetes management can sometimes lead to orthorexic tendencies. The strict rules and restrictions associated with diabetes self-management may trigger obsessive thoughts and behaviors around food quality and purity [ 91 ]. These individuals may become overly fixated on only consuming “healthy” foods and avoiding any perceived “unhealthy” or “impure” choices, which can contribute to the development or exacerbation of ON.…”