Comparison of cravings, depression, anxiety, stress and biochemical parameters in individuals with type 2 diabetes with or without food addiction

This study was conducted to examine the relationship between eating habits, food addiction, food cravings, depression, anxiety, stress, and some biochemical parameters in individuals with type 2 diabetes. A total of 129 individuals aged 18-65 years with type 2 diabetes who applied to Kars Harakani State Hospital Nutrition Outpatient Clinic were included in the study and evaluated. Of the participants, 78 were female and 51 were male. A survey form including demographic characteristics, information about the disease, Yale Food Addiction Scale (YFAS), Food Craving Scale (FCS), and Depression, Anxiety, and Stress Scale (DASS-21) was applied to the participants. There was no significant difference in BMI, body weight, hip circumference, and waist circumference according to the presence or absence of food addiction (p>0.05). There was no statistically significant difference in FCS scores according to gender (p>0.05). The mean FCS scores of individuals with food addiction were higher than the mean FCS scores of individuals without food addiction (p<0.05). There was a statistical difference in DASS-21 scores between those with and without food addiction (p<0.05). The mean DASS-21 score of women was significantly higher (p<0.05). The results of the study show that individuals with type 2 diabetes may develop food addiction, and this may be associated with food cravings and psychological states of individuals. Therefore, dietary habits, food orientation, and psychological state should be taken into consideration in addition to gender, age, and family history of diabetes when evaluating individuals with type 2 diabetes. Keywords: Anxiety, food cravings, depression, type 2 diabetes, food addiction