1826-LB: Enhancing Diabetes Self-Management Education—Perspectives of Patients and Primary Care Providers on Influencing Factors of Binge Eating in Black Adults with Type 2 Diabetes

Introduction & Objectives: Current diabetes self-management education (DSME) has minimal impact on HbA1c in Black adults with type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM). One reason may be that DSME does not address binge eating. Black adults with T2DM are six times more likely to binge eat compared to other racial or ethnic groups. Little is known about how to mitigate binge eating in this population. Thus, this study explores the perspectives of patients and primary care providers on factors influencing binge eating in Black adults with T2DM, and strategies that could enhance DSME.

Methods: Black adults with T2DM who experienced at least 2 binge eating episodes a month (n = 14) and DSME providers (n = 9) who treated Black adults with T2DM were invited to complete in-depth interviews to identify facilitators of binge eating and explore strategies that could enhance DSME. A constructivist grounded theory approach was used to develop a framework explaining factors influencing binge eating in Black adults with T2DM.

Results: Participants identified multilevel stressors and barriers that influenced their binge eating episodes and T2DM treatment: a) active food restriction; b) emotional eating; and c) feelings of deprivation. Providers acknowledged limited training in disordered eating, insufficient patient interaction time, and patient shame related to T2DM.

Conclusion: Results of this study identify salient factors that exacerbate binge eating behavior in Black adults with T2DM. Understanding these specific factors and barriers can enhance DSME and improve long-term T2DM self-management in Black adults.