Disturbed eating behavior in adults with type 1 diabetes: associations with anxiety and depression

Background Adults with type 1 diabetes (T1D) are at increased risk of disturbed eating behaviors (DEB) and psychiatric comorbidities such as anxiety and depression. However, most studies have focused on adolescents, leaving adult data limited. This study aimed to examine the relationship between DEB, anxiety and depression in adults with T1D. Adult populations remain understudied despite increased clinical burden. Our study addresses this gap by focusing specifically on adults with T1D. Methods Eighty adults with T1D, aged 18–75 years were enrolled in the study. Beck Anxiety Inventory (BAI), Beck Depression Inventory (BDI), Eating Attitudes Test (EAT-40) were administered. Sociodemographic and clinical characteristics were also recorded. Psychiatric diagnoses were evaluated using structured clinical interviews. Results DEB were identified in 21.3% of participants. A statistically significant positive correlation was identified between the total EAT score and age ( r = 0.234, p = 0.037). A moderate, statistically significant correlation was found between the total EAT score and both BDI and BAI scores, and a strong, statistically significant correlation was found between BDI and BAI scores ( p < 0.001 for all). The association remained significant even after adjusting for age, gender, BMI, HbA1c, and disease duration. Conclusion This study highlights that both anxiety and depressive symptoms are strongly associated with DEB in adults with T1D. Early intervention and a multidisciplinary approach involving psychiatric consultations within diabetes care may support the early identification and management of comorbid conditions in adults with T1D. Clinical trial number Not applicable.