Purpose To examine the effects of a multi-factorial, intensified treatment on self-reported health status, treatment satisfaction, and diabetes-related distress in screen-detected type 2 diabetes patients. Methods Cluster-randomised controlled trial; A total of 498 screen-detected type 2 diabetes patients from 79 general practices were assigned to intensified (n = 255) or routine treatment according to Dutch guidelines (n = 243). At baseline and after 3 years, patients completed the Short Form-36 and the European Quality of Life-5 Dimensions questionnaires. After 4.5 years, patients completed the Diabetes Treatment Satisfaction Questionnaire and the Problem Areas In Diabetes scale. We analysed the effects of intensified treatment on self-rated health status, treatment satisfaction, and diabetes-related distress, using random effects models to account for clustering at practice level. Results Three to 5 years after type 2 diabetes was detected by screening, there were no differences between intensified and routine treatment in self-reported health status, treatment satisfaction, and diabetes-related distress. Conclusions Multi-factorial, intensified treatment did not influence self-rated health status, treatment satisfaction, and distress in screen-detected type 2 diabetes patients. Therefore, health care professionals do not have to fear negative effects of an intensified treatment on these psychological outcomes.