What is diabetes burnout?
You are not alone! Many people with a chronic condition experience burnout. William H. Polonsky, a psychologist and certified diabetes educator (CDE), defines diabetes burnout out as "what happens when you feel overwhelmed by diabetes and by the frustrating burden of diabetes self-care."
Diabetes burnout is a real thing. Managing your self-care, including diet, physical activity, medications, appointments, blood sugar monitoring, etc can become overwhelming and tiring and can lead to burnout. It's important to speak with your doctor about how you're feeling.
Some of the stres is from losing my mom to on top of the diabetes, my husband just didn’t get it when I was diagnosed, and he was there for me but not the emotional side I cried so much I felt so alone with my diabetes, it’s not an easy thing to live with. Others scared the crap out of me, don’t know how else to say it. Telling me al the bad things, when I was first diagnosed, and my brother was terrible. It’s just diabetes lots of people have it he said. I said you try living with it every single day for the rest of your life. No hugs no I’ll be there for you, nothing just an ass. I was so scared I didn’t want to be home by myself in case I got a low. It was really bad it brought on the anxiety. I would go to my moms that’s how scared I was and didn’t want my husband to go to work. It was awful. And another thing happened in my life was his brother took his life and we all life on the family farm and I see where he did this everyday, so I have trauma from this, and go out everyday because I don’t want to be here at home this was five years ago. To many things and no real good help I hate talking about it, but just figured to let you know how life has been since my diagnoses. Thanks for listening it helps a bit. 
I wish I had seen these before I responded to you elsewhere,
. My heart really aches for you. I am so sorry for all the losses you have experienced. A diabetes diagnosis can be scary at first, but it really is manageable if you educate yourself about it. You will know it if your blood sugar drops and you can quickly eat something to bring it back up. My mother always carried hard candy in her purse just in case. You can do something like that as well. Did your doctor ever refer you to a dietician who specializes in diabetes? That can make a huge difference and might help put you at ease. It really does sound like you would benefit from therapy. Seeing a therapist is like having a best friend you can talk to who gives it to you straight and never passes judgement, no matter what you say. We can't always change our situations, but we can change the ways in which we react to and interact with our environments. A therapist can help you make changes that reduce your stress. Sending lots of hugs your way. - Lori (Team Member)
If I stop balancing my meals and snacks.
Hi
. Is that what happens when you start to become overwhelmed by all things diabetes? Have you found any ways to cope with burnout and get back on track again? Gentle hugs. - Lori (Team Member)
Diabetes burnout is a term used to describe a state of emotional and psychological exhaustion that can affect individuals living with diabetes. It occurs when someone with diabetes becomes overwhelmed, frustrated, or fatigued by the constant demands and self-care routines associated with managing the condition. Diabetes is a chronic illness that requires daily attention to factors like blood sugar monitoring, medication or insulin management, dietary choices, exercise, and lifestyle adjustments. The ongoing nature of these responsibilities can lead to burnout.
Common feelings and experiences associated with diabetes burnout may include:
Frustration
Emotional Exhaustion
Mental Fatigue
Neglecting Self-Care
Avoidance
Depression and Anxiety
Feeling Overwhelmed
it's crucial for friends and family to be understanding and supportive of individuals with diabetes, as emotional support and encouragement can make a significant difference in their overall well-being and ability to manage the condition effectively.I never got the emotional support from anyone, and that’s what I feel burnt out. Please know you have us,
. We are here for you whenever you need support or a place to vent. I know it's not the same as having someone at your side who is supportive, but you have a whole community of people here who get it. Warmly, Lori (Team Member)
