Title: Group Therapy for Binge Eating in Type 2 Diabetes: a Randomized Trial. Running Title: Treatment of Binge Eating in Type 2 Diabetes Group Treatment of Binge Eating 2

Aims: This preliminary study addresses three related issues. Firstly, there is a need to test the effectiveness of CBT (Cognitive Behavioural Therapy) for binge eating in populations with type 2 diabetes. Secondly, 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 to a Group Non-Prescriptive Therapy (NPT), a therapy for which there is no theoretical or empirical support in eating disorders, in a randomised trial which included a post-treatment assessment and a three-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 BMI. However there was a significant relapse in binge eating at the three-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 preto post-treatment was associated with reduction in HbA1c. Conclusions: Binge eating in type 2 diabetes is responsive to psychosocial treatment, and reduction in binge eating appears to improve glycemic control. However this is a small study with a short followup 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.