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Prevent Diabetes Burnout

Prevent or deal with diabetes burnout.

  1. Accept and name how you feel.
  2. Do something every day that does not involve your diabetes.
  3. Practice self-compassion.
  4. Be kind to yourself.
  5. View your diabetes as part of being human.
  6. Focus on the present moment.
  7. Remind yourself that you are not alone.

There are many ways to prevent or deal with diabetes burnout.

  • Accept and name how you feel. For example, "I am really tired of managing my diabetes", or "I feel overwhelmed by my diabetes". It is okay to feel this way. Allow yourself to feel this way. State how you are feeling without trying to change it. Once you accept how you are feeling, you will feel better.
  • Do something every day that does not involve your diabetes. This will allow you to feel cared for. For example, connect with a friend, have quiet time with a cup of tea or go for a nice walk in nature. Find something just for you and make time for it. Do this activity a few minutes a day to make a difference.
  • Practice self-compassion. For example, it helps to tell yourself, "Today, I am going to believe that doing my best is enough." Learn more about self-compassion below.
  • Be kind to yourself. Do not judge or be critical of yourself.
  • View your diabetes as part of being human. This way you won't feel as alone.
  • Focus on the present moment. Do not think bad thoughts. Notice when your thoughts are turning into worries and fears. When this happens, think about putting those thoughts away in a box and focus back on the present moment.
  • Remind yourself that diabetes is something that many people deal with. You are not alone.

Practice Self-Compassion

Self-compassion means you have concern and sympathy for yourself.

Self-compassion helps you:

  • feel better about your diabetes
  • get control of your emotions again
  • feel more hopeful
  • be warm and understanding toward yourself when you do not feel "good enough"

For example, when your blood sugar level gets too high you might feel shocked or angry. Use self-compassion to notice your feelings and remind yourself you are doing a good job most of the time. Feeling shocked and angry are very common feelings when you are living with diabetes. It will get easier to notice these feelings over time so you can practice self-compassion instead.

Diabetes is not a weakness. Diabetes is also not a sign that you have done something wrong. Practice self-compassion to replace your self-blame. Understand that each person has their own health problems - yours is diabetes. It is a disease that you need to manage.

Last Reviewed: 10/16/2016
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