This is quite a short book that details how CBT might be applied to the various psychological difficulties associated with a diagnosis of diabetes. It has chapters covering diagnosis, depression, anxiety, food and emotions, relationships, implementing change, and managing setbacks. It includes information on the complications associated with diabetes.

The book is written in a simple way that is quite jargon free and makes it very accessible for people without a background in psychology. This would make it ideal for individuals with diabetes, and health professionals with little knowledge of CBT. For a psychological therapist keen to learn more about diabetes, the information provided is not comprehensive, but it is a good introduction. There is no new model presented, and formulation is not discussed. However, the usual range of well established interventions for anxiety and depression are concisely described and interwoven with diabetes experiences.

The chapter on “Managing food, weight, and emotions” is useful because it includes eating disorders but it is not limited to them. There is a well written description of the relationship between emotions and food that does not pathologize. The chapter on relationships includes sexual difficulties described in a candid informative manner and ensures the book is holistic.

The book provides numerous case examples that are helpful and very normalizing for people with diabetes. The author has a very validating way of describing difficulties and frequently asserts that life with diabetes can be hard and managing the condition can feel unrelenting. That the author herself has diabetes gives the book a very genuine tone. Compassion focused phrases are littered throughout and the author treads a fine line between accepting difficulty and promoting change. It is a shame that the book has several typos.

I was quite surprised that IAPT is not mentioned as a resource for readers. The problems described are common mental health problems that fall within the scope of IAPT services, and long term conditions are increasingly being looked at by these services. Apart from this, there is an excellent resources section at the end of the book, with numerous websites and recommended reading.

Overall this is a useful book for raising awareness of the potential psychological problems associated with diabetes. It is an excellent introduction for clients and health practitioners into the range of psychological interventions that are available. For CBT practitioners it is not revelatory, but still good to have a contribution to the limited literature in this area.