The frequency of the night eating syndrome in patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus and its association with metabolic control

Objective: The aim of this study is to determine the frequency of night eating syndrome (NES), an eating disorder, in patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus and its association with metabolic parameters. Method: A total of 350 patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus were included in the study. The frequency of NES was investigated by using the Night Eating Questionnaire (NEQ). Participants were also administered the Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index (PSQI) questionnaire. The data of patients with and without NES were compared. Results: The frequency of NES in patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus was found to be 6.3%. The frequency of NES was higher in the male patients compared to the female patients (respectively 9.3% and 4%, p=0.042). The frequency of neuropathy was higher in the patients with NES compared to those without NES (respectively 22.7% and 8.2%, p=0.04). Patients who reported that their emotions affected their appetite were more common in the group with NES compared to the group without NES (p=0.004). There were no significant differences in metabolic parameters between the patients with and without NES. The frequency of poor sleep quality was higher in the patients with NES compared to those without NES (respectively 68.2% and 35.7%, p=0.002). The total PSQI score was higher in the patients with NES compared to those without NES (p<0.001). Conclusion: NES is not an uncommon eating disorder in patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus. Neuropathy is more frequently observed in the patients with NES, and patients with NES have poorer sleep quality. Detection and treatment of eating disorders like NES may contribute to the regulation of blood glucose. The sleep quality of type 2 diabetes mellitus patients diagnosed with NES should also be evaluated. Keywords: night eating syndrome, type 2 diabetes mellitus, eating disorder