Are you at risk of diabetes burnout? How to spot the signs

A Mediclinic expert says if you’re struggling to keep up with your diabetes management, you could be experiencing diabetes burnout. Discover how to get back on track.

Diabetes is a dangerous condition. “Uncontrolled diabetes mellitus can speed up the development of diabetic complications,” says Dr Wimpie de Lange, an endocrinologist at Mediclinic Bloemfontein. Some of these complications are serious conditions such as blindness, kidney failure, losing a limb, diabetic coma, and even death.

However, it’s not uncommon for people with diabetes to become lax in managing their condition, which puts them at risk. This is often referred to as diabetes burnout.

What is diabetes burnout?

Managing diabetes correctly can feel tedious. Staying on track with diet, exercise, and medication can become overwhelming, leading to diabetes burnout where you might stop managing your diabetes correctly. “The most common things that diabetes patients stop doing are following a healthy diet, exercising, and self-monitoring their blood glucose levels,” says Dr De Lange. About a fifth of patients with diabetes develop diabetes burnout and some may even develop depression, he adds.

Why does diabetes burnout happen?

Dr De Lange says a big reason why people develop diabetes burnout is because they feel self-conscious and judged. They don’t like injecting in public, they’re conscious of having to manage their weight, and they must be careful what they eat, making it difficult to enjoy meals at other people’s homes or when eating out. This is especially difficult for those who weren’t strict about following a healthy lifestyle before their diagnosis. Not only do they feel restricted, but they must also adjust their behaviour around friends and family, which inevitably leads to questions about their diabetes.

How to make diabetes management more manageable

The key to managing diabetes successfully and avoiding diabetes burnout is recognising that you can’t do it alone. “It comes down to support,” says Dr De Lange. He shares strategies for success:

• Make it a habit: Instead of seeing healthy habits as something temporary, like being on a "diet", think of them as a permanent part of your life. Get used to following healthy eating guidelines and exercising so that it becomes second nature.
• Get the whole family involved: Eating well and exercising regularly is good for everyone, not just people with diabetes. Make healthy meals the whole family can enjoy, instead of preparing something just for yourself. Talk to a dietitian or do some research about food swaps that will let you enjoy your favourite meals without compromising your health. Start a family tradition of going for daily walks, playing soccer in the park, or other activity, so you can exercise together.
• Plan: Create a supportive environment by ensuring you always have healthy food at home. If you’re going out to eat with family or friends, choose a place that offers menu options that fit your lifestyle. If you’re going to a braai, offer to bring a side dish that you know you’ll be able to eat.
• Embrace technology: Talk to your doctor about getting a continuous glucose monitor. This device tracks your blood glucose levels without the need for frequent finger pricks. They can be relatively pricey, but they might be a helpful option if you’re finding it hard to stay on track due to diabetes burnout.

To find an endocrinologist near you, click here.