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Abstract
Rates of type 2 (T2) diabetes continue to rise in the United States and around the world, with growth to epidemic proportions largely attributed to health behaviors such as poor diet, overeating, and lack of physical activity. T2 diabetes management is demanding, requiring daily effort with responsibilities pertaining to eating behaviors, physical activity, and blood glucose monitoring. Eating is often the most challenging aspect of diabetes management, and when disordered, has been associated with increased risk for diabetes-related complications. Thus, high rates of T2 diabetes and barriers to treatment indicate the need for further development of low-cost accessible treatment modalities for T2 diabetes and related health problems, including disordered eating. The current project sought to assess the efficacy and acceptability of an eating-focused CBT guided-self help (CBTgsh) lifestyle intervention for women with T2 diabetes who engage in disordered eating and wish to improve their eating behaviors, health and well-being. Ten women completed the 12-week intervention that sought to support them in establishing a regular pattern of eating, food monitoring, adjusting thought patterns about eating and health, and increasing physical activity. Results indicated that the intervention was effective in reducing disordered eating behaviors, HbA1c, and diabetes distress, and was acceptable to participants in the current sample. Additionally, participants spoke highly of the program, even stating that it was life changing, and reported that they would recommend the intervention to others. Feedback and the lived experiences of participants were used to make recommendations for the further development and dissemination of the intervention.