Burned out on diabetes? Get answers—and get help
Burned out on diabetes? Diabetes is a needy disease—living with it isn’t always easy. You may have a lot on your plate each day and a lot on your mind sometimes.
“Of course, all people with diabetes have a bad day now and then. But burnout is a lot. If you have it, it may put your health at risk. You might start skipping blood sugar checks or meds. And you may question the value of following your diabetes routine. But there is help.” – Jessica Nila, Health Plan of San Joaquin (HPSJ) Health Educator
Checking blood sugar, taking meds, watching what you eat and other high blood sugar-related tasks can sap your strength. Worry and upset over things like glucose numbers or problems may take an emotional toll. Burned out on diabetes? All of the stress, strain and tiredness that comes with handling the disease may sometimes lead to what’s often called diabetes worry or burnout.
How to cope
If you’re feeling overwhelmed by diabetes, it’s vital to get help and to take steps to feel better. Here are some ideas from the American Association of Diabetes Educators.
- Burned out on diabetes? Speak up. Tell your provider how you are feeling. They can help work out if you have diabetes worry or burnout. And they can help you pinpoint its causes and offer ways for you to cope.
- Seek support. It may help to talk to someone else who has diabetes or to a counselor. HPSJ members can call Carelon Behavioral Health (previously known as Beacon Health Options) to connect with a therapist at 1-888.581.7526
- Accept imperfections. No one is perfect 100% of the time when it comes to handling diabetes. It’s helpful to remind yourself of that.
- Ask others not to judge you. Your friends and family love you and want you to be healthy. But if you feel like they’re putting too much pressure on you about taking care of your diabetes, suggest other ways they can help.
© Health Plan of San Joaquin, October 2019, permission to reprint in full with attribution.