Group therapy for binge eating in Type 2 diabetes: a randomized trial

Abstract Aims This preliminary study addresses three related issues. First, there is a need to test the effectiveness of cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT) for binge eating in populations with Type 2 diabetes. Second, the impact of a treatment for binge eating on diabetes management is unknown. Finally, whilst a number of treatment modalities have been shown to improve binge eating, there has not been a comparison between CBT and a non‐specific therapy for binge eating. Methods Group CBT for binge eating was compared with a group non‐prescriptive therapy (NPT), a therapy for which there is no theoretical or empirical support in eating disorders, in a randomized trial which included a post‐treatment assessment and a 3‐month follow‐up. Results There were no differences between CBT and NPT at post‐treatment, with both treatments being associated with significant changes in binge eating, mood and body mass index. However, there was a significant relapse in binge eating at the 3‐month follow‐up in the NPT condition. This was in contrast to the CBT condition, where treatment gains were maintained. Finally, across treatments, reduction in binge eating from pre‐ to post‐treatment was associated with reduction in HbA 1c . Conclusions Binge eating in Type 2 diabetes is responsive to psychosocial treatment, and reduction in binge eating appears to improve glycaemic control. However, this is a small study with a short follow‐up period. Future studies will need to extend the follow‐up period to assess for long‐term maintenance of the effects of CBT on binge eating and diabetic control in this population.