Abstract

Objective: This study aimed to assess the prevalence of eating disorder (ED) risk among individuals with type 1 and type 2 diabetes and to investigate its correlation with demographic, anthropometric, and clinical factors in western Saudi Arabia.
Methods: A cross-sectional online survey targeting adults aged 18 years and older with type 1 or type 2 diabetes in western Saudi Arabia. ED risk was assessed using the Eating Attitudes Test-26 (EAT-26); scores ≤19 indicate low risk, and scores ≥20 indicate high risk. Demographic, clinical, and anthropometric data were collected from 387 participants.
Results: Among 387 participants, 16.8% (n = 65; 95% confidence interval [CI]: 13.1%-20.5%) were classified as being at high risk for EDs. No statistically significant associations were observed between ED risk and gender, age, or glycemic control.
Conclusion: Diabetic patients in western Saudi Arabia were at 16.8% risk of developing EDs. Clinical predictors such as gender, age, and glycemic control were found to be non-significant.

Key words: Eating disorders, diabetes mellitus, EAT-26, prevalence, Saudi Arabia, screening, disordered eating, glycemic control