Cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT) is widely used in diabetes care, yet variations in delivery models have complicated evaluation of its clinical impact. An umbrella review published in Diabetic Medicine synthesized evidence on the effectiveness of CBT and CBT-based interventions for diabetes-related distress, depressive symptoms, anxiety symptoms, and glycaemic control.

The review searched major databases for systematic reviews and meta-analyses published between 2014 and 2023. Eleven reviews met inclusion criteria. Quality assessment rated four reviews as high quality, five as acceptable, and two as low quality. For comparative analysis, randomized controlled trial findings were distinguished within included reviews.

CBT-based interventions delivered by multidisciplinary staff significantly reduced depressive symptoms, diabetes-related distress, and hemoglobin A1c (HbA1c) levels. CBT delivered by trained CBT therapists was associated with significant reductions in diabetes-related distress, anxiety symptoms, depressive symptoms, and HbA1c levels. Anxiety symptoms improved only with therapist-delivered CBT, while diabetes-related distress showed greater reduction compared with CBT-based multidisciplinary interventions.

The findings indicate that CBT and CBT-based interventions demonstrate effectiveness for depressive symptoms and glycaemic outcomes, although heterogeneity and variability in review quality underscore the need for further research.