This includes things like monitoring your blood glucose levels and going to regular doctor\u2019s appointments. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
Managing type 2 diabetes<\/a> and type 1 diabetes<\/a> is not an easy task.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Diabetes burnout is a state of disillusionment, frustration, and submission to diabetes. <\/p>\n\n\n\n It\u2019s when you become overwhelmed with the responsibilities involved in having diabetes. <\/p>\n\n\n\n You really can get tired of it. You may even feel like giving up.<\/p>\n\n\n\n This usually happens after years and years of dealing with diabetes. <\/p>\n\n\n\n The effort required to count carbs, perform blood sugar checks, exercise, take meds, and go to appointments can feel too much.<\/p>\n\n\n\n You may feel frustrated and worn out. Even more so if you are not getting the results you are looking for.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Stress<\/a> can trigger diabetes burnout. <\/p>\n\n\n\n This includes stress in your family or your work that makes your diabetes take place on the back burner. <\/p>\n\n\n\n Another potential trigger is getting a new diabetes-related health problem. <\/p>\n\n\n\n This can make you question whether your methods of managing diabetes are even working or worth it. <\/p>\n\n\n\n You may also feel worn out after years of looking out for your health and giving time and money to this disease.<\/p>\n\n\n\n All this can affect your emotional distress as well as your ability to control diabetes. <\/p>\n\n\n\n Diabetes burnout is relatively common. <\/p>\n\n\n\n In fact, a study showed that more than one-third of adults with type 2 diabetes identify burnout as a barrier to following treatment plans.<\/p>\n\n\n\n [bensnaturalhealthIinlineLeadGen id =”1″ event=”15 Food Blood Sugar eBook Download” image=”https:\/\/blog.bensnaturalhealth.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/04\/Ipad-15-Foods.png” title=”Get Your FREE Diabetes Diet Plan” content=”##15 foods to naturally lower blood sugar levels ##3 day sample meal plan ##Designed exclusively by our nutritionist”]<\/p>\n\n\n\n It can be challenging to pinpoint the symptoms of diabetes burnout. <\/p>\n\n\n\n This is because they vary so much from one individual to the next. <\/p>\n\n\n\n The length, signs, and severity of burnout can be different between individuals. <\/p>\n\n\n\n They may even be different in one person from one burnout episode to the next. <\/p>\n\n\n\n Depending on what\u2019s going on with you, your burnout episodes can look a little different each time. <\/p>\n\n\n\n Patients with type 2 or type 1 diabetes can experience burnout.<\/p>\n\n\n\n There is no standard tool to measure diabetes burnout. <\/p>\n\n\n\n But the symptoms tend to include the following:<\/p>\n\n\n\n Depression<\/a> does present in a similar fashion to diabetes burnout. <\/p>\n\n\n\n In fact, between 20 and 30 percent of people with diabetes experience depressive disorders. <\/p>\n\n\n\n Although symptoms of diabetes burnout and depression overlap, they are not the same thing. <\/p>\n\n\n\n In diabetes burnout, the symptoms are specific to diabetes. <\/p>\n\n\n\n With depression, the feelings of sadness, frustration, and hopelessness apply in all areas of your life.<\/p>\n\n\n\n In diabetes burnout (or diabetes distress), self-destructive behaviors occur. <\/p>\n\n\n\n Examples of this include the following:<\/p>\n\n\n\n Diabetes burnout can lead to fatigue or even episodes of hypoglycemia<\/a>. <\/p>\n\n\n\n In severe cases, this can lead to coma<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Don\u2019t try to do things perfectly. It\u2019s simply impossible to be perfect all the time. <\/p>\n\n\n\n You may have good days and bad days. This is normal. <\/p>\n\n\n\n There are lots of factors that are unpredictable. <\/p>\n\n\n\n For example, you may get different blood sugar numbers after eating food you usually eat or a workout you usually do. <\/p>\n\n\n\n Try rolling with the punches and taking things day by day.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Your feelings of frustration, worry, and discouragement are entirely valid. <\/p>\n\n\n\n Think about what\u2019s behind these feelings. <\/p>\n\n\n\n Are you feeling stressed? <\/p>\n\n\n\n Do you feel like you don\u2019t have enough time to deal with all of this? <\/p>\n\n\n\n Do you feel like you lack a good support system<\/a>? <\/p>\n\n\n\n By evaluating these feelings, you may come to realize where you can make changes towards a solution. <\/p>\n\n\n\n You may know you need to ask for more help or make a physical activity routine that fits your lifestyle better. <\/p>\n\n\n\n You may need to have more realistic expectations of yourself.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Do one thing each day that helps you to take better care of yourself. <\/p>\n\n\n\n For example, if you have a big goal of going towards low blood sugar<\/a> levels, break this into smaller goals. <\/p>\n\n\n\n You can make a smaller goal of drinking more water so that you don\u2019t drink as many sweet drinks like pop or juice. <\/p>\n\n\n\n Take things moment by moment, step by step.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Have an honest conversation with your healthcare team and certified diabetes educator. <\/p>\n\n\n\n Let them know that you have been experiencing diabetic burnout. <\/p>\n\n\n\n They can re-evaluate your plan and help you to make any changes that may be necessary.<\/p>\n\n\n\n It can be tempting to ignore your feelings. <\/p>\n\n\n\n You may even be getting down on yourself for not following your treatment plans. <\/p>\n\n\n\n The first thing you\u2019ll want to do is accept that this is a chronic condition and the feelings that come with it. <\/p>\n\n\n\n Journaling can be a helpful exercise to explore your feelings without the judgments of other people.<\/p>\n\n\n\n You may be nervous about having this conversation with your healthcare professionals. <\/p>\n\n\n\n Remind yourself that you are not doing anything wrong. <\/p>\n\n\n\n We all need support sometimes. <\/p>\n\n\n\n A care plan that was working before may not be working for you anymore. <\/p>\n\n\n\n Let your healthcare provider know how diabetes burnout is affecting you. <\/p>\n\n\n\n They can then work with you to find solutions.<\/p>\n\n\n\n It may be helpful to speak with people who know just what you\u2019re going through. <\/p>\n\n\n\n There are support groups that meet in person and support groups online. <\/p>\n\n\n\n The American Diabetes Association has a discussion board you may want to read through. <\/p>\n\n\n\n Search social media to find online support groups and movements.<\/p>\n\n\n\n With the guidance of your diabetes care provider, implement strategies to take some time off. <\/p>\n\n\n\n For example, you could have one meal that is not part of your regular meal plan. <\/p>\n\n\n\n You could see about checking your blood sugar levels less frequently for a few days. <\/p>\n\n\n\n Let someone know you are doing this so that they can keep an eye on you in case you encounter any problems.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Insulin pumps and continuous glucose monitors seem to always be alerting you to do something.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Under the care of your healthcare provider, disconnect your insulin pump. <\/p>\n\n\n\n Give yourself manual insulin doses for a couple of days. <\/p>\n\n\n\n Instead of using your continuous glucose monitor for a few days, use a finger stick meter instead. <\/p>\n\n\n\n Be aware that this may take some extra planning but may give you a much-needed break.<\/p>\n\n\n\n You can prevent diabetes burnout by changing things up. <\/p>\n\n\n\n Eat a varied diet. Try new recipes for people with diabetes.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Mindfulness exercises can help in the understanding of the emotional and mental health impact of diabetes. <\/p>\n\n\n\n This can also help in the coping of the emotional and psychological conditions that lead to diabetes burnout.<\/p>\n\n\n\n One of the best things you can do for someone with diabetes burnout is to have an open conversation with them about it. <\/p>\n\n\n\n Connect with them. State your concerns and your desire to help them. <\/p>\n\n\n\n Let them know that you\u2019ve noticed they\u2019re having a hard time. Ask what you can do to help.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Provide a listening ear. Allow them to express their feelings. Show them empathy. <\/p>\n\n\n\n Recognize the effort and energy they have been putting forth for diabetes management<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Enjoy activities with them that have nothing to do with diabetes. <\/p>\n\n\n\n This can help take their mind off their condition. <\/p>\n\n\n\n This can serve as a reminder that diabetes doesn\u2019t have to prevent them from living their life and enjoying it.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Celebrate their wins with them. <\/p>\n\n\n\n Burnout can prevent someone with diabetes from acknowledging the hard work they\u2019ve put in. <\/p>\n\n\n\n Provide some positive reinforcement. <\/p>\n\n\n\n Praise them for their diabetes self-management. This can give them a confidence boost.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Diabetes burnout is exhaustion from keeping up with everything that diabetes requires of you. <\/p>\n\n\n\n If you have symptoms of diabetes burnout, speak to your health care provider today. <\/p>\n\n\n\n Let them know how you have been feeling and that it may be time to change your care plan.<\/p>\n\n\n\nSymptoms<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
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What happens in diabetes burnout?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
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How can you prevent diabetes burnout?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
Give up the idea of perfectionism<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
Accept your feelings<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
Break things into small steps<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
Consult your health care team<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
7 Tips for coping with diabetes burnout<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
1) Accept your feelings<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
2) Be honest with your health care team<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
3) Connect with others<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
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<\/a><\/figure>\n\n\n\n4) Take a break<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
5) Disconnect<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
6) Change up your diet<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
7) Adopt mindfulness practices<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
How to support someone with diabetes burnout<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
Conclusion<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
Explore More<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
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