By Robin Fein (Wright), L.C.S.W.
When we have diabetes, food is central to survival—but it’s also deeply intertwined with complex physiological and psychological factors. Research suggests that binge eating is more common among women with type 2 diabetes. According to E. L. Morrison, MS, RD:
“Women with type 2 diabetes are more prone to developing binge-eating disorder. Patients with diabetes and binge-eating disorder experience increases in blood sugar levels following a binge-eating episode. The weight gain that often results from this repetitive behavior can trigger or accelerate diabetes-related complications such as neuropathy and retinopathy, as well as increased fatigue.” (Source: todaysdietitian.com)
Eating disorders—like emotional eating and binge eating—are psychological conditions, but they have very real physical effects. It makes you wonder where this cycle actually starts. Does living with diabetes—and the way it affects the body—make someone more vulnerable to disordered eating in the first place?
My Story
As a 63-year old woman who has lived with depression, binge eating disorder, and Type 2 diabetes, I have often thought, did I have undiagnosed prediabetes that exacerbated my issues? Family members on both my mom and my dad’s side of the family had type 2 diabetes– did my genetics set a lifelong battle with food in motion?
It has always been hard for me to read my body cues. As a child in the ‘50’s, I grew up in the days of convenience food where white bread and TV dinners were great breakthroughs! Being chubby was how it all started and then I was an adolescent in the time of Audrey Hepburn. Thin had become the cultural standard of beauty, and a diet industry was born just in time to capitalize on my growing body dissatisfaction. Yo-yo weight gain and loss ensued and food has been a real struggle for me ever since…
Type 2 Diabetes and Food
For many of us, the physiological reality of type 2 diabetes has made our relationship with food even more complicated. We may experience the very uncomfortable symptoms of hypoglycemia, which can drive us to eat excessively just to bring blood sugar back up. At other times, we may eat too much in an attempt to push through the chronic fatigue that often comes with living with diabetes. And because food can be comforting, some of us also turn to it for emotional reasons. We may use food to distract ourselves from difficult feelings like anxiety or sadness, hoping it will soothe us physically and ease an uncomfortable emotional state.
To manage diabetes, we have to be conscious and informed about our food choices. This isn’t about vanity—it’s about fear of real consequences if we don’t make the “right” choices. Unfortunately, that pressure can set us up for disappointment and self-judgment. When we struggle, it can start to feel like a reflection of our self-worth. Why can’t I say no? or Why am I so impulsive? Over time, food choices can take on far too much meaning, shaping how we see ourselves as either “good” (in control, virtuous) or “bad” (out of control).
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The medical information on Diabetes – What To Know’s website is provided as an information resource only. The content is not in any way intended to be nor should you rely on it as a substitute for professional medical evaluation, diagnosis, advice and treatment.
