Binge Eating Disorder in Patients with Type 2 Diabetes: Diagnostic and Management Challenges

Type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) is associated with an increased risk of disordered eating behaviors including binge eating disorder (BED). Comorbid BED in patients with T2DM has been associated with adverse clinical outcomes such as higher body mass index (BMI) and depressive symptoms. Identifying and addressing this disorder in patients with T2DM is a significant challenge for health-care providers. The purpose of this narrative review is to discuss current perspectives on BED in the context of T2DM with implications for screening and management of these highly comorbid conditions. BED continues to be underrecognized and underdiagnosed. However, there are established tools that providers can use to screen for BED such as the SCOFF Questionnaire and Questionnaire on Eating and Weight Patterns-5. There are several effective treatments for BED including cognitive behavioral therapy, interpersonal therapy, and lisdexamfetamine dimesylate. However, few studies have examined the effects of these treatments in patients with co-morbid T2DM and BED.