For those patients requiring intervention, the available treatment for depression can be broadly classified
into cognitive-behavioral (CBT) and pharmacological. CBT is proven to be an effective treatment for people with diabetes patients and co-morbid depression, with improved remission rates and glycemic control relative to placebo [57]. Until recently, access to CBT has been limited [57]; however, innovations
such as web-based CBT provide new opportunities to large volumes of patients with minor depressive symptoms using minimal resources [58]. Although attrition rates of web-based CBT are a problem, anchoring web-based programs within the existing primary care infrastructure (for example, by allowing practice nurses to administer, follow and conclude such programs with patients) may improve patient
self-care behavior. Group CBT might also be used in less severe depressive states as stand-alone treatment. CBT may also avert the use of pharmacological treatments, which can interfere with diabetes management. CBT is the treatment of choice in patients who are unable to tolerate pharmacological treatment, and may also be provided in combination with pharmacotherapy in more severe cases