Food addiction and treatment adherence in type 2 diabetic patients

Purpose: This study aimed to examine the impact of food addiction on treatment adherence in patients with type 2 diabetes. Materials and Methods: The study included a total of 176 patients with type 2 diabetes, including 103 women and 73 men. Data were collected using a Sociodemographic and Clinical Data Form, the Yale Food Addiction Scale (YFAS), and the Morisky Medication Adherence Scale-8 (MMAS-8). Results: Food addiction was identified in 11.9% (n = 21) of the patients with type 2 diabetes who participated in the study. No significant association was found between food addiction levels and treatment adherence among patients with type 2 diabetes. Patients who reported adhering to their diet and participating in regular physical activity demonstrated significantly higher medication adherence. Food addiction levels were significantly lower in patients without a history of psychiatric illness than in those with such a history. Conclusion: The findings of this study indicate that food addiction does not significantly impact medication adherence among patients with type 2 diabetes, whereas dietary adherence and regular physical activity significantly improve medication adherence. Further research with larger sample sizes and long-term follow-up is needed to elucidate more clearly the potential effects of food addiction on treatment adherence in individuals with type 2 diabetes.