Improving Appetite Self-Regulation in African American Adults With Type 2 Diabetes

Improving Appetite Self-Regulation in African American Adults With Type 2 Diabetes: A Digital Intervention

The purpose of this 6-month randomized clinical trial is to examine the feasibility of recruitment, attendance, retention, program adherence, and satisfaction of a digital application designed, Centering Appetite to improve glucose scores (HbA1c) and binge eating in African American adults with type 2 diabetes. Intervention participants will receive type 2 diabetes education and web-based lessons on appetite self-regulation. Participants will also receive a Fitbit to monitor daily physical activity. The investigators will follow up with participants at six months.

Using a randomized clinical trial design examine the feasibility and acceptability of a 6-month digital diabetes self-management education program plus an appetite self-regulation intervention for (n=60) African Americans (AA) with type 2 diabetes who report uncontrolled eating in North Carolina. Sixty AAs will be randomized to the Centering Appetite intervention or the control group. Over the 6 months, Centering Appetite participants will have two intervention sessions supplemented by monthly booster sessions and weekly messages related to the program. The control group will also receive two intervention sessions and weekly nutrition tutorials. The study will examine the following: recruitment feasibility, attendance/retention, treatment adherence, intervention, HbA1c, and binge eating.

Inclusion Criteria:

Individuals are eligible if they

• identify as a Non-Hispanic, AA
• are over 18 years of age
• have an A1c value > 7.5
• have a working Smartphone
• complete binge eating screening

Exclusion Criteria:

Individuals will be excluded if they:

• have major end-organ type 2 diabetes mellitus complications
• have a history of weight loss surgery
• are currently pregnant
• in substance use treatment or are involved in another weight reduction program.