Diet and eating behavior both play a crucial role in the prevention and management of type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM). The main objective of this study was to investigate the relationship between dietary intake and eating behavior in a population of patients with T2DM. A cross-sectional study was performed using 416 patients with T2DM and their dietary intake and eating behavior were assessed with validated questionnaires. Women scored significantly higher than men for emotional and restrained eating (p < 0.001). Correlation analyses showed that emotional eaters consumed significantly more calories (r = 0.120, p = 0.014) and fat (r = 0.101, p = 0.039), as well as non-alcoholic beverages for women (r = 0.193, p = 0.003) and alcohol for men (r = 0.154, p = 0.038). Also, individuals who ate based on external cues consumed significantly more calories (r = 0.188, p < 0.001) and fat (r = 0.139, p = 0.005). These results demonstrate that eating behavior influences dietary intake. Understanding this relationship could optimize diabetes management and allow for more individualized nutritional guidance.

Type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) has become a global epidemic. To effectively control T2DM, individuals must adhere to a high-quality diet that encompasses not only healthy dietary patterns but also promotes positive eating behaviors. We conducted a cross-sectional study on 314 patients with T2DM, and we evaluated the diet quality and also examined the associations between eating behavior, diet quality, and anthropometric and clinical factors in T2DM patients. We used the Diet Quality Index-International and Dutch Eating Behavior Questionnaire to assess dietary characteristics. We found that women had a significantly higher diet quality than men (61.40 vs. 58.68, p = 0.002) but were also more prone to emotional eating (2.00 vs. 1.53, p < 0.001) and restrained eating (2.39 vs. 2.05, p = 0.002). Restrained eating correlated with duration of diabetes (r = −0.169, p = 0.003), body mass index (r = 0.182, p = 0.001), and external eating with glycated hemoglobin (r = 0.114, p = 0.044). Patients with emotional eating had a higher vitamin C adequacy score (β = 0.117, p = 0.045). External eating was positively associated with grain adequacy (β = 0.208, p < 0.001) and negatively associated with empty-calorie food moderation score (β = −0.125, p = 0.032). For restrained eating, we found associations with vitamin C adequacy (β = −0.138, p = 0.017) and fruit adequacy (β = 0.125, p = 0.033). In conclusion, the results of this study provide valuable insight into dietary behavior and emphasize the importance of promoting healthy eating habits for T2DM patients.