What you should know about diabetes burnout

What is diabetes burnout?

Diabetes burnout shares many of the same effects as burnout caused by other life stressors - such as working beyond your physical or emotional limits.

It is a response to prolonged stress, regardless of its source. When it comes to diabetes, burnout can stem from the relentless demands of managing the condition day in and day out.

Debbie Grayson, Pharmacist and Nutritional Therapist, Practice With Confidence, Greater Manchester, UK explains that burnout can make you feel fed up, overwhelmed and disconnected.

"Unlike other long-term conditions, living with diabetes often requires multiple decisions every day just to stay well. The pressure can become unsustainable, particularly when progress feels slow, unpredictable or invisible."

Grayson warns that this stress can leave you feeling overwhelmed and unable to cope. As a result, you may begin neglecting the essential tasks needed to keep your health in check.

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

In the case of diabetes, these symptoms can be even more serious - especially if they lead you to stop monitoring and managing your condition.

Grayson explains that if this situation happens, you may show signs of poorly managed blood sugar levels. This can result in both hypo and hyperglycaemia, often swinging between the two extremes.

Poor blood sugar management can also raise your chance of diabetes-related complications - such as infections, vision problems, increased urinary tract infections (UTIs), and neurological issues, including pins and needles.

"Emotional symptoms include feelings of powerlessness, anger, overwhelm, frustration and also isolation from support systems," says Grayson. "You may have anxiety, guilt or shame - feeling as though you are failing or not trying hard enough.

"This is a sign your current strategy might not be working and that further support is needed."

According to Diabetes UK, 1 in 4 people with type 1 diabetes, and 1 in 5 people with type 2 diabetes have experienced high levels of diabetes distress since their diagnosis.

Grayson says: "People with type 1 diabetes will be using insulin, where more consistent control and monitoring can be a huge source of stress."

A range of support options are available to help you manage - or recover from - diabetes burnout.

Grayson says this includes psychological support - in particular, kognitiv beteendeterapi (CBT) and counselling tailored to long-term illness.

She adds: "There are also peer support groups, working with a diabetes specialist and reframing expectations to help reduce the pressure."

"Know the signs of burnout early, and don't be afraid to ask for help from a healthcare professional," she says. "Diabetes management is hard work - and recognising that it's okay to feel overwhelmed is the first step towards regaining balance."