Diabetes burnout: what to do when managing diabetes feels like too much

What is diabetes burnout?

Diabetes burnout is a state of exhaustion and detachment from diabetes care, often together with a feeling of powerlessness over managing it.^[1][2] Researchers studying adults with type 1 diabetes describe exhaustion, detachment and powerlessness as its main parts, and found burnout closely linked to both diabetes distress and depressive symptoms.^[1] In interviews, people with burnout described exhaustion and detachment, often with moments of feeling they had lost control over their diabetes.^[2]

The term is still being defined. A scoping review of 201 studies found overlap between diabetes burnout, diabetes distress and depression, and concluded that a precise definition is still lacking.^[3] Most of this research involves people with type 1 diabetes.^[1][2][3]

This guide covers the signs of burnout, how it relates to distress and depression, and ways to ask for help with diabetes management when it feels like too much. It cannot assess your mental health.

What are the signs of diabetes burnout?

The signs described in research and by CDC include exhaustion, pulling away from diabetes care, and feeling powerless to change things.^[1][2][4]

• Feeling worn out by the daily demands of diabetes care.^[1][2]
• Feeling detached from diabetes care.^[1][2]
• Feeling powerless, or that managing diabetes is out of your control.^[1][2]
• Feeling frustrated, tired and unable to make decisions about your care.^[4]

CDC notes that having feelings like these for more than a week or two may be a sign that you need help to feel better.^[4] Burnout is a response to a heavy, ongoing load. It is not a lack of willpower.

Is diabetes burnout the same as diabetes distress or depression?

Diabetes burnout, diabetes distress and depression are related but not the same, and research shows they overlap.^[3] People living with burnout described it as separate from distress and depressive symptoms but closely related to both.^[2] CDC describes diabetes distress as the worry, frustration, anger and burnout that make it hard to keep up with the daily demands of diabetes.^[4] The scoping review notes that diabetes distress, unlike depression, is not a psychiatric disorder.^[3] Depression can be assessed by a qualified professional. An article cannot tell them apart for you.

If low mood, hopelessness or loss of interest in things you usually enjoy last for weeks, or are getting worse, tell your care team.

If you are having thoughts of suicide or of harming yourself, that needs urgent attention of its own, separate from diabetes care. In the US, you can call or text 988, or chat at 988lifeline.org, to reach the 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline at any time.^[5] If you are in immediate danger, call 911.

For more on the wider emotional load of diabetes, read what can help with diabetes distress.

How can I talk to my care team about burnout?

Tell them in plain words that you are worn out by diabetes care, and ask which tasks matter most for now. CDC suggests letting your care team know how you have been feeling, and notes they can help you work through concerns or suggest other professionals who can help.^[4]

1. Say that you are worn out by diabetes care, in those words.
2. Name the tasks you have been putting off.
3. Ask which tasks matter most right now, and which could be simpler for a while.
4. Ask about help with the cost of medicines and supplies if cost adds to the pressure. CDC notes your pharmacist and care team may know programs that help.^[4]
5. Agree when you will check in again.

ADA's standards also recommend asking people at high risk of low blood sugar about fear of lows at least once a year.^[6] If worry about lows is part of what wears you down, that is worth raising too.

You might say: "I've stopped checking as often because it all feels like too much. Can we work out what matters most for the next month?" This is an illustrative prompt, not a quote from a real patient. Use your own words and choose how much you want to share.

What can help with diabetes management when it feels like too much?

Smaller steps and shared tasks can make daily diabetes care feel more manageable. CDC's tips for coping with diabetes distress suggest several approaches:^[4]

• Do one thing at a time. List the tasks you do each day and work on them one by one.
• Pace yourself. Goals do not have to be met at once; CDC's example is a 10-minute walk, three times a day.
• Talk to other people with diabetes, and ask your care team about support groups in your area or online.
• Take time to do things you enjoy.

If food or medicines feel like the heaviest part, read everyday eating with type 2 diabetes or when to take diabetes medicines.

How can the people close to me help?

People close to you can help most when you tell them what kind of help is useful. In interviews, people with burnout described their support systems as able to either help or hinder.^[2] CDC suggests letting loved ones remind you about medicines, help check blood sugar, join you in being active, cook healthy meals with you, learn about diabetes and come to appointments.^[4] CDC also suggests telling them how and when you need them, since the people around you can sometimes add to the stress.^[4]

Where can I find support when diabetes feels like too much?

The right support depends on whether you need someone to talk to, practical help with daily care, or a professional who can assess how you are feeling. Compare diabetes resources to see what each service offers and where it is available. Explore diabetes patient questions for illustrative ways to put a hard feeling into words. If you want to find a mental health professional, ADA keeps a mental health provider directory. The mama health app is one place to ask about your condition and get answers grounded in medical science and the experience of others living with diabetes. Learn more about its diabetes support.