According to a study published in this month's edition of Diabetes Care diabetics who eat after normal dinnertime may be increasing their risk for serious complications.
In the study the eating habits of more than 700 patients with diabetes were documented by researchers at the University of Washington. About 10 percent of the participants were noted to consume more than a quarter of their total daily caloric intake after 7pm.
Patients who were classified as night eaters were at risk for complications such as kidney damage, nerve damage, and heart disease. They were also more likely to be obese and have poor control of blood sugar levels, both factors that increase the likelihood that other organ damage may occur.
The participants were also questioned about emotional issue and the researchers found that emotional eating may be a cause for late night snacking in this group. Many of the diabetic patients that reported high food consumption in the evening hours also reported greater symtpoms of depression, anxiety, and negative feelings about self and life situation.
Emotional eating can significantly contribute to obesity and diabetes, regardless of prior diagnosis. For diabetic patients who notice increased food cravings at night, or even emotional attachment to food during the day, a discussion with their respected healthcare provider may be in order.
Posted by Dr. Christina Gutierrez on August 25, 2006 03:14 PM
