Diabetes burnout refers to a state of emotional and physical exhaustion, where managing diabetes feels overwhelming, frustrating, and even pointless. It’s a common yet serious experience for many people living with diabetes, where the continuous demands of self-care begin to feel impossible to sustain. When someone is experiencing diabetes burnout, they might stop checking their blood sugar levels altogether. Skipping or forgetting insulin injections or medication becomes more frequent, and previously established healthy routines may slip, making way for old habits that don’t support good diabetes management. It’s not about negligence but rather an accumulation of stress and fatigue that can leave someone feeling completely defeated. Typically, diabetes burnout doesn’t happen overnight. It’s often the culmination of years spent measuring blood sugars, counting carbs, dealing with blood sugar fluctuations, attending countless medical appointments, and living with the perpetual pressure to manage a condition that never truly rests.
What happens in diabetes burnout?
At its core, diabetes burnout is marked by behaviors that might seem like an effort to reclaim a sense of normalcy or freedom. People might find themselves eating whatever they like, disregarding the consequences, or guesstimating insulin doses without checking blood sugar levels, craving the temporary relief from constant vigilance. The hope of feeling liberated, however, often backfires, potentially leading to dangerous blood sugar highs or lows, increased fatigue, or hypoglycemic episodes that, in severe cases, may result in a diabetic coma. Moreover, the emotional burden is equally profound. People in the throes of burnout often experience:
The term diapression has been coined – which refers to having depression and diabetes. Feelings of anger, resentment, guilt, and shame are common, as well as a pervasive sense of helplessness. These psychological struggles can amplify the difficulty of diabetes management, creating a cycle that feels hard to break.
Preventing diabetes burnout
Preventing or alleviating diabetes burnout involves a compassionate approach.
Recognise the signs
It’s normal to feel frustrated, unmotivated, or anxious about your diabetes care. If you’re skipping appointments, avoiding glucose checks, or feeling detached from your management plan, it could be a sign of burnout.
You’re not alone
Remember, it’s okay to ask for help. Whether it’s support from friends, family, healthcare professionals, or connecting with the diabetes community, sharing how you feel can make a huge difference.
Simple steps to feel better
- Take a break from diabetes tasks for a short period with guidance from your healthcare team.
- Focus on small, manageable goals rather than aiming for perfection.
- Celebrate the victories – no matter how small they seem.
It’s important to switch things up and keep routines fresh – like experimenting with new diabetes-friendly recipes to make meal planning less monotonous. Seeking social support, whether from friends, family, or a diabetes community, can be a powerful way to combat feelings of isolation. Connecting with others who understand the unique challenges of living with diabetes can be incredibly uplifting. Mindfulness-based courses have also gained recognition in the UK for their effectiveness in diabetes management. Structured programmes help individuals understand and manage the emotional impact of the condition, teaching strategies to cope with stress, anxiety, and feelings of burnout. They provide tools to build resilience and restore a more balanced, manageable approach to daily care. Ultimately, recognising the signs of burnout early and taking proactive steps to address it can make a world of difference. Remember, it’s okay to acknowledge that living with diabetes is hard. Seeking support and being kind to yourself are crucial parts of staying healthy, both physically and emotionally. Living well with diabetes is a marathon, not a sprint, and it’s essential to give yourself grace and be patient to yourself along the way.
