Providing Online guided Self-help for the management of binge Eating in adults with type 2 Diabetes: The POSE-D pilot study and process evaluation

People with type 2 diabetes (T2D) are more likely to experience binge eating than the general population, which may interfere with their diabetes management. Guided self-help (GSH) is one of the recommended treatment options for binge eating disorder, but there is currently a lack of evidenced treatment for binge eating in individuals living with T2D. The aims of this pilot study were to test the feasibility and acceptability of recruiting and delivering the adapted, online Working to Overcome Eating Difficulties GSH intervention to adults with T2D and binge eating. The intervention comprises GSH materials presented online in seven sections delivered over 12 weeks, supported by a trained Guide. Twenty-two participants were recruited in a case series design to receive the intervention and we interviewed four Guides and five participants afterwards. We measured binge eating, mental wellbeing, quality of life and weight at pre-post and 12-week follow-up. Results showed a significant reduction in binge eating at the end of the intervention, which continued to improve at follow-up. Before the programme, 92 % of participants scored above cut-off for binge eating. This reduced to 41 % post-intervention and no-one at follow-up. These changes were accompanied by significant improvements in depression, anxiety and small changes in eating disorder symptoms. Participants reported making better lifestyle choices, eating more mindfully and having increased self-confidence. The study shows preliminary evidence for online GSH tailored to the needs of individuals with T2D as a feasible and acceptable approach to improving binge eating, diabetes management and mental wellbeing.