Eating behavior disinhibition predicts insulin resistance in the Old Order Amish

Eating behavior is influenced by genetics and environment, and is associated with many obesity related conditions.

We assessed the relationship between self-reported disinhibition scores and insulin resistance assessed during an oral glucose tolerance test (OGTT).

The study included 779 volunteers from the Amish Family Diabetes Study; 77 with Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus, 133 with Impaired Glucose Tolerance (IGT) and 569 with Normal Glucose Tolerance (NGT). All patients with IGT and NGT completed oral glucose tolerance tests (OGTT), and had insulin levels measured during the OGTT. Volunteers completed the Three-Factor Eating Questionnaire to quantify self-perceived disinhibition.

Higher disinhibition scores are associated with higher fasting insulin levels and insulin area under the curve during an OGTT. These results suggest a highly significant, positive correlation between the eating behavior disinhibition and insulin insensitivity. Treatments aimed at modifying eating behavior may be helpful in mitigating insulin resistance.