When Managing Diabetes Becomes Overwhelming: Understanding Burnout

 

Burned Out by Diabetes? Why It Happens and How to Recognize it

Managing diabetes is a full-time job with no holidays or breaks. Checking blood sugar, taking medicines and going to appointments can be exhausting — especially when life throws other stress in the way. It can lead to burnout, which makes staying on course more challenging. A common symptom is feeling exhausted, frustrated, or overwhelmed. It can negatively affect mood, health, and overall quality of life. It is necessary to understand what drives the diabetes burnout in the first place.

Why diabetes burnout happens

It's tiredness, not laziness

Burnout from diabetes doesn't happen all at once. It accumulates after years of routinely monitoring blood sugar, tracking carbohydrates, attending appointments, and experiencing the stress of dealing with a chronic illness. To feel normal again, people may begin to guess insulin dosages, eat freely, or disregard their regimen. But this temporary relief can lead to serious health risks like extreme blood sugar levels, fatigue, or even dangerous episodes like diabetic coma. The emotional toll is equally as great as the physical one.

Warning signs of diabetes burnout

Shift in diabetes routine

Shifts in your diabetes routine could be signals that one is experiencing burnout. If any of the following are noticed, it might be time to pause and reflect

Not taking care of their diabetes — like missing taking insulin/medicines or not checking blood sugar

Taking risky actions — that could harm their health

Eating poorly or too much — often to cope with stress

Feeling disconnected or helpless — about managing their diabetes

Having unhealthy blood sugar level - either too high or too low

Skipping doctor visits - Out of fear or guilt or finding the meeting cashing with other duties

Challenges that spark diabetes burnout

Doing things, one doesn’t always feel like doing — like exercising, taking insulin or medicines 

Feeling like diabetes runs one’s life — instead of being in control

Money problems — like paying for insurance or expensive medicines

Keeping track of blood sugar — and making sure to have the right medicines and supplies

Planning meals — so that the diet helps manage diabetes

Feeling misunderstood — when family and friends don’t understand what it’s like to live with diabetes

What are the symptoms of diabetes burnout?

Burnout comes with a range of emotional and physical symptoms, as well as changes in behavior.

Emotional 

Emotional symptoms include losing interest in activities that were once enjoyable, feeling stuck, helpless, or under continual stress; being easily agitated. 

Physical

Physical symptoms include constant fatigue, difficulty falling asleep, headaches, body aches, stomach problems, chest pain, or panic attacks.

Behavioral

Behavioral symptoms include inability to concentrate or complete tasks, avoiding people and obligations

"If any of the above symptoms are observed then it is a sign that the current strategy for managing diabetes might not be working and that further support is needed."

Key Takeaway

• Burnout is real — and it’s okay to feel overwhelmed.

• Talk to a healthcare professional.

• Taking that first step can help one feel more in control.

Even though burnout is common, recovery is possible!