Diabetes burnout

Diabetes burnout is something that happens when a diabetic stops managing their diabetes for either a period of time or in worst case, forever. 

Diabetes is a disease that requires constant monitoring and treatment so it is no wonder why burnout can happen.  Imagine pricking your finger 5-6 times a day and not putting anything in your mouth without  counting how many carbs it has and giving yourself a shot of insulin if necessary.  If there is one thing I learned when I went and worked at the diabetes camp, it was that young kids with diabetes grow up quickly.

Diabetes burnout is not the same thing as depression, it is something that takes place when a person is either unwilling to change or just tired of endless attention to diabetes care.

This can obviously be very dangerous as it increases risk for diabetes complications.

Joslin Diabetes gives two approaches to help prevent diabetes burnout.  These are things you can share with your diabetic patient:

1) Stay motivated, not “perfect”

            Often, diabetics feel that their blood glucose readings must be perfect and become frustrated if their readings are off.  Helping the patient understand that although, good blood glucose control is important, they do not have to be perfect.  This can relieve some stress that comes with a diabetic feeling they have to be perfect and eventually becoming burned out with caring for themselves.            

2) Identify barriers to good diabetes care:

            What is preventing the patient from taking good care of themselves? Are there obstacles that are causing them to stop caring for their diabetes? If so, have the patient make a list of these obstacles and being creating new options to face the obstacles.  For example, if the patient is finding difficulty making it to the gym, another option could be a workout on dvd in the home or buying a treadmill. 

What can also be a huge help is having a good support system.  Educating family and friends and letting them help motivate the patient is a good way to avoid burnout.  When the patient is educating their family and friends, they can be specific in how they would like the family or friend to support or help them manage their diabetes better.