Diabetes Burnout.

[Bewildered]

Crikey that struck a chord.

 

[himtoo]

For anyone going through tough times regarding their diabetes management and from reading on the forum how some younger type 1 members really, really struggle, this is a must read for all.Remember you are not alone.

Connecting people with diabetes

Putting the Brakes on Diabetes Burnout


Helen Edwards; Founder and Director Diabetes Counselling Onlinewww.diabetescounselling.com.au
Diabetes burn out is a common problem for many people, but what is it? Basically this occurs when you grow very tired of managing your diabetes. You might experience feelings of exhaustion and instead of sticking to your regular blood glucose checks, medications, exercise, insulin and other self care tasks, you only do them partially or possibly neglect them altogether for a period of time. It is more than just having a bad day. You just can’t seem to muster the motivation to keep on managing and the guilt and stress about what this is doing to your body just builds up…..adding to your distress.

The challenge for people living with diabetes and this includes family members and caregivers, is to walk the fine line between stress and worry about diabetes, with feeling comfortable about where diabetes sits in your life. You need to try and have perspective about what your goals are and what you can realistically manage at this moment. When you balance this you are able to better manage under times of stress and prevent burn out. One of the biggest things that can help is to have good support. This includes from family, friends, other people with diabetes and your health care team. Exercise and relaxation strategies really help. Learning mindfulness, which teaches you to worry less and be present in your daily life helps to reduce anxiety and distress. Being able to feel in control and have a tool kit for what to do when things feel like they may be getting out of control in any aspect of your life really makes a difference. Diabetes is not just about your blood glucose and stress and problems in other areas of life will have an impact on you control. So it is important to make sure you stay healthy in all areas of your life and keep on top of stress.

Diabetes is different to other chronic disease as it requires self management by you on a daily even hourly basis, with guidance from your health care team. It can be easy to become overwhelmed by all the tasks you need to do and the day to day effort needed to manage. Burn out is particularly likely if you work really hard at managing your diabetes but the results are not what you would like. It is also more likely when you have pressure or stress in other areas of your life that you feel you can not control. Diabetes burn out can last a short time, be ongoing, or can come and go. Studies have shown that a majority of people living with diabetes do experience worries, fears and negative feelings at some stage. Some high risk times where you may experience burn out due to added stress or changes in your life include:

1. If you are not meeting diabetes targets, frustration with lack of movement towards your health goals
2. Experiencing family/relationship problems, breakdown or violence
3. Transition or times of change in your life
4. Loss of someone you care about or other grief/loss
5. Experiencing poverty or homelessness
6. Drug and alcohol problems
7. Problems with work and financial stress
8. Other physical or mental health problems – such as another chronic disease, depression, mental illness, eating disorders
9. Pregnancy – planning pregnancy and trying to conceive, during pregnancy and parenting when you have diabetes yourself
10. Growing older and dealing with changes to your body, your health and your diabetes
11. Diagnosis of diabetes complications

The recent 2011 study Diabetes MILES which surveyed over 3000 adults with diabetes in Australia found that overall, people were least satisfied with their health, as compared to other aspects of their life. Adults with type 2 diabetes who were using insulin had lower levels of satisfaction across all life areas (e.g. health, relationships, safety, standard of living) as compared to adults with type 1 diabetes or with those who had type 2 diabetes but were not using insulin. Adults with type 2 diabetes who were using insulin were also more likely to experience moderate to severe symptoms of depression and anxiety than other respondents. Moderate to severe depressive symptoms affected 35% of adults with type 2 on insulin, as compared to 22% of those with type 1 and 23% of those with type 2 who were not using insulin. Moderate to severe anxiety symptoms also affected 19% of adults with type 2 who were using insulin, as compared to 15% of those with type 1 and 14% of those with type 2 non-insulin-managed diabetes. Adults with type 1 diabetes were more likely to experience severe diabetes-related distress than other respondents. 28% of adults with type 1 diabetes experienced severe distress, as compared to 22% of people with type 2 insulin-managed and 17% of type 2 non insulin-managed diabetes. The most commonly reported problem area for respondents (consistent across diabetes types and treatment regimens) was worrying about the future and the development of diabetes related complications.

Rates of diabetes related distress are high yet people are often scared to ask for help, particularly if they have not been managing well. It is important that you DO ask for help and remember there is no such thing as a silly question! Most of us get tired of doing everyday tasks and diabetes sure adds to those! Few people can maintain all the tasks of diabetes care week-in, week-out AND keep blood glucose and HbA1c’s in the narrow target range all the time. Without realistic expectations and practical strategies for managing the thoughts, feelings and emotional side of diabetes, the risk of burnout is higher. The way we think and talk about diabetes has a major impact on how we feel and manage diabetes. Using words like “ high and low” blood glucose instead of “good and bad” can help and so does using CHECK instead of the word TEST when talking about blood glucose monitoring. The reality is most people have an immediate reaction to a high or low BGL. That is normal and fine, but once you have this reaction move on to looking at the number and working out how to manage this and prevent it in the future if possible.

Seven Steps to dealing with Burn out

1. Consider what particular areas of diabetes are causing you problems – usually it is not all of it! Then develop steps for sorting these areas. Get help if needed.
2. What else is happening in your life that might be conflicting with diabetes care, or making it harder?
3. How might you address these things?
4. What are your expectations for your diabetes management? Do you need to lower or increase your expectations?
5. What sorts of thoughts and feelings are you having about diabetes/
6. How are you managing these and are these strategies working? What have you tried?
7. Do you have any support? Is it the right support? Is it enough support? If not, how can you get this?

Support is vital. Make sure you get this from a variety of sources:

• Health Care Team
• Family and friends
• People with diabetes
• Online and in person
• Books, magazines and other sources of information
• Counselling and other specialists
• Take time out from diabetes and other stress – try to be a “human being” not always a “human doing”!

Diabetes might thrive on maths – to be corrected and added up BUT You are not a maths problem! See yourself as a sunset – not something to be solved, but appreciated –your achievements, attempts at change, dreams and goals – sit back and appreciate them from time to time and remember there is more to life than diabetes.

great post RRB -- does anybody know -- has it been made a sticky anywhere ??

 

[Robinredbreast]

great post RRB -- does anybody know -- has it been made a sticky anywhere ??

Hi, I asked for it to be made a sticky on here.
This is the on line service link :- Onlinewww.diabetescounselling.com.au

With best wishes

 

[neverforever]

Dizzy and Dory are great and so are your posts RRB. This information is so welcomed. Ive been struggling on and off for a few months after really doing well. thank you

For anyone going through tough times regarding their diabetes management and from reading on the forum how some younger type 1 members really, really struggle, this is a must read for all.Remember you are not alone.

Connecting people with diabetes

Putting the Brakes on Diabetes Burnout


Helen Edwards; Founder and Director Diabetes Counselling Onlinewww.diabetescounselling.com.au
Diabetes burn out is a common problem for many people, but what is it? Basically this occurs when you grow very tired of managing your diabetes. You might experience feelings of exhaustion and instead of sticking to your regular blood glucose checks, medications, exercise, insulin and other self care tasks, you only do them partially or possibly neglect them altogether for a period of time. It is more than just having a bad day. You just can’t seem to muster the motivation to keep on managing and the guilt and stress about what this is doing to your body just builds up…..adding to your distress.

The challenge for people living with diabetes and this includes family members and caregivers, is to walk the fine line between stress and worry about diabetes, with feeling comfortable about where diabetes sits in your life. You need to try and have perspective about what your goals are and what you can realistically manage at this moment. When you balance this you are able to better manage under times of stress and prevent burn out. One of the biggest things that can help is to have good support. This includes from family, friends, other people with diabetes and your health care team. Exercise and relaxation strategies really help. Learning mindfulness, which teaches you to worry less and be present in your daily life helps to reduce anxiety and distress. Being able to feel in control and have a tool kit for what to do when things feel like they may be getting out of control in any aspect of your life really makes a difference. Diabetes is not just about your blood glucose and stress and problems in other areas of life will have an impact on you control. So it is important to make sure you stay healthy in all areas of your life and keep on top of stress.

Diabetes is different to other chronic disease as it requires self management by you on a daily even hourly basis, with guidance from your health care team. It can be easy to become overwhelmed by all the tasks you need to do and the day to day effort needed to manage. Burn out is particularly likely if you work really hard at managing your diabetes but the results are not what you would like. It is also more likely when you have pressure or stress in other areas of your life that you feel you can not control. Diabetes burn out can last a short time, be ongoing, or can come and go. Studies have shown that a majority of people living with diabetes do experience worries, fears and negative feelings at some stage. Some high risk times where you may experience burn out due to added stress or changes in your life include:

1. If you are not meeting diabetes targets, frustration with lack of movement towards your health goals
2. Experiencing family/relationship problems, breakdown or violence
3. Transition or times of change in your life
4. Loss of someone you care about or other grief/loss
5. Experiencing poverty or homelessness
6. Drug and alcohol problems
7. Problems with work and financial stress
8. Other physical or mental health problems – such as another chronic disease, depression, mental illness, eating disorders
9. Pregnancy – planning pregnancy and trying to conceive, during pregnancy and parenting when you have diabetes yourself
10. Growing older and dealing with changes to your body, your health and your diabetes
11. Diagnosis of diabetes complications

The recent 2011 study Diabetes MILES which surveyed over 3000 adults with diabetes in Australia found that overall, people were least satisfied with their health, as compared to other aspects of their life. Adults with type 2 diabetes who were using insulin had lower levels of satisfaction across all life areas (e.g. health, relationships, safety, standard of living) as compared to adults with type 1 diabetes or with those who had type 2 diabetes but were not using insulin. Adults with type 2 diabetes who were using insulin were also more likely to experience moderate to severe symptoms of depression and anxiety than other respondents. Moderate to severe depressive symptoms affected 35% of adults with type 2 on insulin, as compared to 22% of those with type 1 and 23% of those with type 2 who were not using insulin. Moderate to severe anxiety symptoms also affected 19% of adults with type 2 who were using insulin, as compared to 15% of those with type 1 and 14% of those with type 2 non-insulin-managed diabetes. Adults with type 1 diabetes were more likely to experience severe diabetes-related distress than other respondents. 28% of adults with type 1 diabetes experienced severe distress, as compared to 22% of people with type 2 insulin-managed and 17% of type 2 non insulin-managed diabetes. The most commonly reported problem area for respondents (consistent across diabetes types and treatment regimens) was worrying about the future and the development of diabetes related complications.

Rates of diabetes related distress are high yet people are often scared to ask for help, particularly if they have not been managing well. It is important that you DO ask for help and remember there is no such thing as a silly question! Most of us get tired of doing everyday tasks and diabetes sure adds to those! Few people can maintain all the tasks of diabetes care week-in, week-out AND keep blood glucose and HbA1c’s in the narrow target range all the time. Without realistic expectations and practical strategies for managing the thoughts, feelings and emotional side of diabetes, the risk of burnout is higher. The way we think and talk about diabetes has a major impact on how we feel and manage diabetes. Using words like “ high and low” blood glucose instead of “good and bad” can help and so does using CHECK instead of the word TEST when talking about blood glucose monitoring. The reality is most people have an immediate reaction to a high or low BGL. That is normal and fine, but once you have this reaction move on to looking at the number and working out how to manage this and prevent it in the future if possible.

Seven Steps to dealing with Burn out

1. Consider what particular areas of diabetes are causing you problems – usually it is not all of it! Then develop steps for sorting these areas. Get help if needed.
2. What else is happening in your life that might be conflicting with diabetes care, or making it harder?
3. How might you address these things?
4. What are your expectations for your diabetes management? Do you need to lower or increase your expectations?
5. What sorts of thoughts and feelings are you having about diabetes/
6. How are you managing these and are these strategies working? What have you tried?
7. Do you have any support? Is it the right support? Is it enough support? If not, how can you get this?

Support is vital. Make sure you get this from a variety of sources:

• Health Care Team
• Family and friends
• People with diabetes
• Online and in person
• Books, magazines and other sources of information
• Counselling and other specialists
• Take time out from diabetes and other stress – try to be a “human being” not always a “human doing”!

Diabetes might thrive on maths – to be corrected and added up BUT You are not a maths problem! See yourself as a sunset – not something to be solved, but appreciated –your achievements, attempts at change, dreams and goals – sit back and appreciate them from time to time and remember there is more to life than diabetes.

 

[Robinredbreast]

Dizzy and Dory are great and so are your posts RRB. This information is so welcomed. Ive been struggling on and off for a few months after really doing well. thank you

Thank you neverforever, I am so pleased the information has been helpful, have you been to see your DSN or GP, as I think a lot of members have struggled sometime in their life.
Dizzy and Dory are part of the forum now
I hope you can get back on track again. Take care and wishing you all the best RRB

 

[borderter]

Really struggling at the moment trying hard to cope with diabetes and hubby wth memory probs then finding very raised bgs after doing everything right so i punish myself by eating biscuits etc saying to my body if you want raised sugars here you are !! so childish
Reading Robins post has helped a bit . I want to try tresiba but trust wont finance it here have tried all others and no joy so on mixed in desparation but its unpredictable at best
Was in tears at last diabetic clinic at gps and he says he will put me on antidepressants soon ,no no no ,guess its cheaper than Tresiba

 

[neverforever]

Really struggling at the moment trying hard to cope with diabetes and hubby wth memory probs then finding very raised bgs after doing everything right so i punish myself by eating biscuits etc saying to my body if you want raised sugars here you are !! so childish
Reading Robins post has helped a bit . I want to try tresiba but trust wont finance it here have tried all others and no joy so on mixed in desparation but its unpredictable at best
Was in tears at last diabetic clinic at gps and he says he will put me on antidepressants soon ,no no no ,guess its cheaper than Tresiba

This can be so overwhelming especially when there are other factors thrown in. Im type 2 so I have no idea what it must be like to have insulin. Have they outright refused or just not for the moment, end of financial year etc.? Im surprised he didnt suggest someone to talk to before meds!!! such an easy answer for the GP, really thought this type of knee jerk reaction was outdated. Im a big fan of counselling in whatever guise, I think its important to have someone, not family or friends to offload too. I hope you find some calm soon.

 

[Daks]

Awesome post, from a seasoned soldier!

 

[Princesnikki]

Hi I have been diabetic since I was 12 I am now 25 and I have struggled every day at the age of 19 I was diagnosed a with diabetic neuropathy at that point that I was told I would spend the rest of my life In a wheelchair but thankfully I don't I do however suffered with a lot of pain I've been told today that my liver function is not very good due to my diabetes and I may have fatty liver which is where the liver stores some sugar witch turns to fat due to the affects of my sugar levels at the moment I am constantly running hi I'm testing every two hours day and night I constantly feel unwell this is not just effecting me but my family to and is also affect my future I struggle struggle struggle I can't seem to get it right I can seem to help other people I am great at helping others with the diabetes maintaining control monitoring it and given advice I just can't seem to do it for myself

 

[primmers]

Thanks for posting this. 5 years from diagnosis I am a Type 2 diet uncontrolled diabetic, definitely experiencing burnout. I seem to be coming back up to the surface, it was good to read the stats on depression with diabetes, remind me that I'm not alone and why I want to be diet controlled again.

 

[jane Schofield]

I am 49 and have had T2 for 5 years. Went on to insulin six months after being diagnosed. So sick of finger picking 4 times a day insulin twice a day and still sugers high they only stay level for 2 months then start to rise and have to increase insulin. So fed up feel like stopping sticking that little needle in me and just living with the consequence also really depressed over weightgain

Sent from the Diabetes Forum App

 

[Living-by-the-beach]

I am 49 and have had T2 for 5 years. Went on to insulin six months after being diagnosed. So sick of finger picking 4 times a day insulin twice a day and still sugers high they only stay level for 2 months then start to rise and have to increase insulin. So fed up feel like stopping sticking that little needle in me and just living with the consequence also really depressed over weightgain

Sent from the Diabetes Forum App

@jane Schofield

I know most of us can easily relate to where you are at. Even if we've not had diabetes as long as you have. I am sure the burnout factor is playing a big role in where you are at right now. Yet have you considered changing what you're doing?

As Henry Ford one said "If you do what you’ve always done, you’ll get what you’ve always got"

I could share with you a photo of friend who had a leg three months ago then lost that (his second leg) to diabetes too, but I won't. Diabetes is most probably the most brutal disease out there. Personally I've lost 54lbs in the last year and I still don't have diabetes in remission. It is a nightmare disease. I am on metformin but I want to be free of all tablets. Have you read up on any of the following

1) Newcastle Diet
2) Professor Roy Taylor
3) Richard Doughty
4) Dr Jason Fung?

Any of these might be a place to start.

I will be 60 on my next birthday & I exercise most days doing something very energetic. Please accept my apologies in advance if you sense I am being cruel, as your diabetes won't be nearly as polite as I am. If you need inspiration there's one girl here who's managed to lose 123 lbs and put her T2 into remission too.

Here's a couple of links to Professor Taylor's work.

http://www.fend-lectures.org/index.php?menu=view&id=94

https://campus.recap.ncl.ac.uk/Panopto/Pages/Embed.aspx?id=c3bef819-e5f4-4a55-876f-0a23436988ed&v=1

I want to help you but most importantly we should all be aware of the consequences of T2D.
It can be done, & good luck to you..

JM

 

[Jonnyjibbsuk]

After reading that ..I think I can safely say for the last four days I have been on burn out .....least I know what it is now lol

 

[donnellysdogs]

Excellent post RRB.

 

[christi99]

I am 48 years young and have been T1 for 35 years and always managed it very well. However I recently had a massive heart attack, followed by stents and a triple by pass op. Since the heart attack my Diabetes has become so difficult to manage. I am on so much medication for the heart and have also recently had an ICD implanted and Central Sleep Apnoea diagnosed. My heart now being in heart failure and I need a heart transplant. I just find it really difficult to find the enthusiasm to bother with any of it anymore. I had such good control before the heart attack, but I feel what difference did it make. Consultants have said there is nothing I could have done differently. I'm just finding coping with all of it too much. I'm def having a burn out ! x

I am so sorry to hear about your health issues - particularly when you were doing all the "right" things (good numbers etc.) I have been an ICU nurse (as well as cardio-thoracic surgical ICU nurse - and a diabetic and a son who is diabetic) and for what it is worth - you may be sicker had you not taken such care for 35 years. I have seen 30 year old diabetics with severe diabetes related illness. Diabetes is such an extremely complex disorder. However, I realize that info probably does little to help your feelings of frustration. In reality, you feel like **** now! But...we just have today- or "now". You can choose only that and give up (which may seem tempting) but the only consequence will be more sickness and disability.
Also...Please note- There is a very real physiologic depression that can happen "post-pump" (the heart pump used to bypass the heart during bypass surgeries) in addition to just grieving your losses of your health baseline- try to give yourself some time and self-care- and also know that you may very well feel better as you recover from your surgery. Perhaps you can talk to your cardiologist for a referral to talk with a professional/? antidepressants Rx.
Take ONE day at a time instead of looking at managing your diabetes long-term like you are used to- as it may feel more doable. I don't think people can really fully understand the constant vigilance required and the lifestyle management needed- everyday of your life!! Many people will not even finish a course of antibiotics for 7 days with compliance!!! How many people can lose weight without regaining it? Or stop drinking, smoking or stick to an exercise regimen for life? Give yourself a hug and I am betting that many here reading your post (like myself) are also sending you hugs.

 

[Living-by-the-beach]

I am so sorry to hear about your health issues - particularly when you were doing all the "right" things (good numbers etc.) I have been an ICU nurse (as well as cardio-thoracic surgical ICU nurse - and a diabetic and a son who is diabetic) and for what it is worth - you may be sicker had you not taken such care for 35 years. I have seen 30 year old diabetics with severe diabetes related illness. Diabetes is such an extremely complex disorder. However, I realize that info probably does little to help your feelings of frustration. In reality, you feel like **** now! But...we just have today- or "now". You can choose only that and give up (which may seem tempting) but the only consequence will be more sickness and disability.
Also...Please note- There is a very real physiologic depression that can happen "post-pump" (the heart pump used to bypass the heart during bypass surgeries) in addition to just grieving your losses of your health baseline- try to give yourself some time and self-care- and also know that you may very well feel better as you recover from your surgery. Perhaps you can talk to your cardiologist for a referral to talk with a professional/? antidepressants Rx.
Take ONE day at a time instead of looking at managing your diabetes long-term like you are used to- as it may feel more doable. I don't think people can really fully understand the constant vigilance required and the lifestyle management needed- everyday of your life!! Many people will not even finish a course of antibiotics for 7 days with compliance!!! How many people can lose weight without regaining it? Or stop drinking, smoking or stick to an exercise regimen for life? Give yourself a hug and I am betting that many here reading your post (like myself) are also sending you hugs.

@christi99

Diabetes is a nightmare disease and I completely agree with your appraisal of our long term condition. Yet Elaine Stritch (a diabetic) http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Elaine_Stritch lived till she was 89 and my mom may not yet get to that age. So a long life is possible. We have to take it one day at a time. The whole point of this website is for support. I do find support elsewhere but its concentrated here . IMHO that other diabetes website isn't a patch on this one and I don't use it. There is some real positive mojo going on here Thank God! We can all conquer our issues, we just need to do it as a sports company might say!

Best wishes

JM

 

[christi99]

@christi99

Diabetes is a nightmare disease and I completely agree with your appraisal of our long term condition. Yet Elaine Stritch (a diabetic) http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Elaine_Stritch lived till she was 89 and my mom may not yet get to that age. So a long life is possible. We have to take it one day at a time. The whole point of this website is for support. I do find support elsewhere but its concentrated here . IMHO that other diabetes website isn't a patch on this one and I don't use it. There is some real positive mojo going on here Thank God! We can all conquer our issues, we just need to do it as a sports company might say!

Best wishes

JM

Oh I completely agree about healthy long lives very doable and yes, ideally that we are all shooting for. But... boy when you are socked with heart disease and other DM related premature illnesses - it can be so discouraging, considering the amount of effort it takes to manage disease. I just think it can be so overwhelming and you're right - support from people who understand is where it is at.

 

[Kat100]

For anyone going through tough times regarding their diabetes management and from reading on the forum how some younger type 1 members really, really struggle, this is a must read for all.Remember you are not alone.

Connecting people with diabetes

Putting the Brakes on Diabetes Burnout


Helen Edwards; Founder and Director Diabetes Counselling Onlinewww.diabetescounselling.com.au
Diabetes burn out is a common problem for many people, but what is it? Basically this occurs when you grow very tired of managing your diabetes. You might experience feelings of exhaustion and instead of sticking to your regular blood glucose checks, medications, exercise, insulin and other self care tasks, you only do them partially or possibly neglect them altogether for a period of time. It is more than just having a bad day. You just can’t seem to muster the motivation to keep on managing and the guilt and stress about what this is doing to your body just builds up…..adding to your distress.

The challenge for people living with diabetes and this includes family members and caregivers, is to walk the fine line between stress and worry about diabetes, with feeling comfortable about where diabetes sits in your life. You need to try and have perspective about what your goals are and what you can realistically manage at this moment. When you balance this you are able to better manage under times of stress and prevent burn out. One of the biggest things that can help is to have good support. This includes from family, friends, other people with diabetes and your health care team. Exercise and relaxation strategies really help. Learning mindfulness, which teaches you to worry less and be present in your daily life helps to reduce anxiety and distress. Being able to feel in control and have a tool kit for what to do when things feel like they may be getting out of control in any aspect of your life really makes a difference. Diabetes is not just about your blood glucose and stress and problems in other areas of life will have an impact on you control. So it is important to make sure you stay healthy in all areas of your life and keep on top of stress.

Diabetes is different to other chronic disease as it requires self management by you on a daily even hourly basis, with guidance from your health care team. It can be easy to become overwhelmed by all the tasks you need to do and the day to day effort needed to manage. Burn out is particularly likely if you work really hard at managing your diabetes but the results are not what you would like. It is also more likely when you have pressure or stress in other areas of your life that you feel you can not control. Diabetes burn out can last a short time, be ongoing, or can come and go. Studies have shown that a majority of people living with diabetes do experience worries, fears and negative feelings at some stage. Some high risk times where you may experience burn out due to added stress or changes in your life include:

1. If you are not meeting diabetes targets, frustration with lack of movement towards your health goals
2. Experiencing family/relationship problems, breakdown or violence
3. Transition or times of change in your life
4. Loss of someone you care about or other grief/loss
5. Experiencing poverty or homelessness
6. Drug and alcohol problems
7. Problems with work and financial stress
8. Other physical or mental health problems – such as another chronic disease, depression, mental illness, eating disorders
9. Pregnancy – planning pregnancy and trying to conceive, during pregnancy and parenting when you have diabetes yourself
10. Growing older and dealing with changes to your body, your health and your diabetes
11. Diagnosis of diabetes complications

The recent 2011 study Diabetes MILES which surveyed over 3000 adults with diabetes in Australia found that overall, people were least satisfied with their health, as compared to other aspects of their life. Adults with type 2 diabetes who were using insulin had lower levels of satisfaction across all life areas (e.g. health, relationships, safety, standard of living) as compared to adults with type 1 diabetes or with those who had type 2 diabetes but were not using insulin. Adults with type 2 diabetes who were using insulin were also more likely to experience moderate to severe symptoms of depression and anxiety than other respondents. Moderate to severe depressive symptoms affected 35% of adults with type 2 on insulin, as compared to 22% of those with type 1 and 23% of those with type 2 who were not using insulin. Moderate to severe anxiety symptoms also affected 19% of adults with type 2 who were using insulin, as compared to 15% of those with type 1 and 14% of those with type 2 non-insulin-managed diabetes. Adults with type 1 diabetes were more likely to experience severe diabetes-related distress than other respondents. 28% of adults with type 1 diabetes experienced severe distress, as compared to 22% of people with type 2 insulin-managed and 17% of type 2 non insulin-managed diabetes. The most commonly reported problem area for respondents (consistent across diabetes types and treatment regimens) was worrying about the future and the development of diabetes related complications.

Rates of diabetes related distress are high yet people are often scared to ask for help, particularly if they have not been managing well. It is important that you DO ask for help and remember there is no such thing as a silly question! Most of us get tired of doing everyday tasks and diabetes sure adds to those! Few people can maintain all the tasks of diabetes care week-in, week-out AND keep blood glucose and HbA1c’s in the narrow target range all the time. Without realistic expectations and practical strategies for managing the thoughts, feelings and emotional side of diabetes, the risk of burnout is higher. The way we think and talk about diabetes has a major impact on how we feel and manage diabetes. Using words like “ high and low” blood glucose instead of “good and bad” can help and so does using CHECK instead of the word TEST when talking about blood glucose monitoring. The reality is most people have an immediate reaction to a high or low BGL. That is normal and fine, but once you have this reaction move on to looking at the number and working out how to manage this and prevent it in the future if possible.

Seven Steps to dealing with Burn out

1. Consider what particular areas of diabetes are causing you problems – usually it is not all of it! Then develop steps for sorting these areas. Get help if needed.
2. What else is happening in your life that might be conflicting with diabetes care, or making it harder?
3. How might you address these things?
4. What are your expectations for your diabetes management? Do you need to lower or increase your expectations?
5. What sorts of thoughts and feelings are you having about diabetes/
6. How are you managing these and are these strategies working? What have you tried?
7. Do you have any support? Is it the right support? Is it enough support? If not, how can you get this?

Support is vital. Make sure you get this from a variety of sources:

• Health Care Team
• Family and friends
• People with diabetes
• Online and in person
• Books, magazines and other sources of information
• Counselling and other specialists
• Take time out from diabetes and other stress – try to be a “human being” not always a “human doing”!

Diabetes might thrive on maths – to be corrected and added up BUT You are not a maths problem! See yourself as a sunset – not something to be solved, but appreciated –your achievements, attempts at change, dreams and goals – sit back and appreciate them from time to time and remember there is more to life than diabetes.

Excellent post RRB , really enjoyed reading it , it reminds us all that the you should , you must , you can approach , does not always work ...it just is not easy , what one person says ,,does not mean it will be the same for another individual ...
Everyone is so individual as you highlight and burnout is not a shameful experience ...
Support, time and care go along way , never easy answers , but your post sends out an excellent message to us all ... Thank you ..

 

[Zoexena41]

I enjoyed reading this mail. I was diagnosed 2 years ago with type 2 diabetes and to be honest I have struggled to accept this. It's sad but feel that I have not had enough support at the doctors, basically told I'm type 2 and given medication and told to crack on. I feel that proper support is vital to help someone manage their diabetes.

 

[Natalie1974]

This thread has really struck a chord for me...I'd never heard of Diabetes burnout until today but it's something I can truly relate to.

A few years ago I felt my life had collapsed around me...my work...my family and friendships seemed to be in tatters and bit by bit it all took me down with it...I lost all control of my diabetes...my hba1c went from good to really really bad and I'm sad to say...I just stopped caring. I still did my injections but really only tested when I felt bad...be it either really high or really low...which was quite a lot of the time. My care team didn't really do much to support me...they handed out antidepressants and gave me a hard time over my blood results...but they never offered any kind of counseling...which I believe now actually could've been the key to getting back on track.

Regardless...time has marched on...I met an amazing guy who supports me with my diabetes 100%...mostly through reminding me to check bloods and inject etc...but through him doing this and I suppose through a new sense of purpose I started to take control again. It was at this point that I discovered this site...and lchf...and I've not looked back. The support and advice from other members is tremendous and it's renewed my interest and commitment to get things right again...and something I'm truly grateful for.

I have now been low carbing for just over a month and although some days are hard...for the most part I feel fantastic...I love that when I check my BS more often that not I get a happy number and it's these happy numbers that keep me striving forward...to the point I'm actually excited about my next hba1c...(results this week)...something I never thought I'd hear myself say.

This site is truly amazing in terms of information and support...thank you everyone and keep up the good work.