4 tips to help avoid diabetes burnout

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Living with diabetes is a constant battle of ups and downs. And I’m not just talking about your blood glucose levels! The emotional part of diabetes can be even more tiresome and stressful than the physical aspect of diabetes. This is when diabetes burnout happens.
 

What is diabetes burnout?
 

We may all have our own specific definition, but basically it’s when you’ve had enough of diabetes and need a break. For example, you just don’t feel like testing, taking a shot, inserting a new infusion set, counting carbs or getting blood work done. 

Diabetes burnout itself can lead to more stress and unhealthy thinking. If your diabetes burnout has caused you to stop taking insulin the way your healthcare team has prescribed, it could lead to higher blood glucose levels, ketones, and potentially a trip to the hospital. 

I’ve experienced diabetes burnout a few times over the last several years and have learned a few things to help get me through. See my tips below:
 

Remember the Big Picture
 

With everything in life, it’s always important to remember the big picture. You’re working toward living a long, healthy life. In order to do this, you must spend time managing your diabetes and everything that requires. It may be overwhelming at times, but keeping the bigger picture in mind at all times can help with the feeling of being overwhelmed.
 

Take a Break / Disconnect
 

When I say disconnect, I don’t mean disconnecting from your insulin pump. I mean disconnecting from diabetes-related thinking. If you’re constantly reading blogs, commenting on diabetes group pages on Facebook or interacting with people on Twitter, then take a break from it. Go do something that you’ve wanted to do or read a book that has nothing to do with diabetes.
 

Write / Talk About It
 

Talking to another person with diabetes about what you’re going through can be very helpful. You may be able to relate with that person more than a family member and might even be able to get a bit of motivation from them in order to help lift you out of your current diabetes burnout.
 

Slow Down and Take a Deep Breath
 

This is one of my favorite tips not only for diabetes, but for everything in life. As soon as your diabetes starts to feel overwhelming, step back from the situation and take a deep breath. 

I know your diabetes to-do list can seem endless. It’s time to refill your reservoir, you need to change your sensor, etc. And on top of this, life doesn’t stop. When this happens, just slow down, take a deep breath, and move forward with what you need to do - one task at a time. 

These are all things I do whenever I feel like I’m going through a period of diabetes burnout. What tips can you offer that may have helped you in the past?

 

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Submitted by Jason (not verified) on

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Thank you for this post. I am in the middle of a burnout time in my life. 33 years of battling this condition can be a drain. I look forward to a day when we have the technology to finally say remember when we had to ... I dream of the days when insulin pumps and test strips or looked at like Iron Lungs. Things from the past not used today. To all my brother and sisters out there Good Effort. Good luck is for the unprepared. Keep healthy so when it is time for our day to say good be to this condition you are ready.

Jason - thanks for your comment. Hopefully you are able to work past this burnout phase. 33 years with diabetes is something to be proud of and I applaud you for it. Best of effort to you.

Submitted by Doug Klein (not verified) on

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I am on year 59 with type 1. I have learned to acrually enjoy the everyday victories such as that first finger stick reading being somewhat acceptable and moving through the day with that first reading as my launch pad. If it was not acceptable, then I look forward to the challenge of getting the next reading near where it should be. AND, having no complications, I always have a daily chuckle to myself by thinking, "Hey...I'm dying of nothing."

Doug - first thank you for commenting. 59 years? Wow, that is awesome by itself. Being able to have a good laugh when you can about the disease definitely helps. I have also found that by figuring out the current blood sugar reading and why it may have not been what I wanted it to be, and trying to get it to where I want it by the next test helps me a bit.

Submitted by Debby (not verified) on

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I'm in burnout mode...got steroid shots a day ago...jacked up my numbers...i'd just gotten em in balance...its so much work and frustration!!! Ack!!!

Submitted by Karen O'Neil (not verified) on

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Great post Chris.

I'm at year 40 with Type 1, and looking forward to the next phase of insulin pump. I have complications from early on, but I never let it stop me. Since being on the pump 20 years ago, it occurs to me how soon we graduate from the awe of the next invention to the "oh damn, time to change my set/sensor again?". I am so grateful to be alive in time to experience the "artificial pancreas" (coming to me soon!), and look forward to seeing a cure for the young ones coming up.

Submitted by Pernecia Marks (not verified) on

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My hint, after 48 years of it. Count your blessings. So, you get tired of checking your blood, counting carbs...don't we all. Find someone to mentor to who is not caring for themselves and spread the word. Help them to know life can be great if they choice it to be. Think of those who died because they didn't even know what the word "diabetic" was. Look at the technology that helps us keep in control each day and reflect back 5-10 years ago. Bottom line, don't feel sorry for yourself. You have nothing to be burnt out about. We are alive with the best technology EVER!! Be thankful, pass the word, move on! Keep trucking fellow diabetics because we are all AWESOME!!

Submitted by Thomas Hallett (not verified) on

In reply to by Pernecia Marks (not verified)

YES, Pericia, keep on truckin'! I'm in the 35+ club too and have used all the tools in the shed, from the early BG monitors to the different pumps of today. I tell people I'm from Ifyourlucky, Kansas because when I got the disease, my doctors said I'd live to the age I am if I was lucky!

Submitted by Cynthia Butts (not verified) on

In reply to by Pernecia Marks (not verified)

Loved your posr. I am in my 54th year of treating and controlling Type 1 Diabetes. I am so tthankful for this wonderful technology to help with controlling this disease. Please always think positive. You will go further in life.

Submitted by Nancy Harris (not verified) on

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I agree with Doug, although I am only in my 54th year with type 1. I decided I am in this for the long haul, so not taking insulin or testing is not an option. I want to avoid complications. When the bad days come along, as they always do, I think, "Tomorrow is another day." It will be a new day with new numbers and new opportunities.

Submitted by Leonel sanchez (not verified) on

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Tengo un nieto de 7 años con diabetes tipo 1 quisiera que ustedes me informen donde comprar un medtronic. No lo consigo y me urge .somos venezolanos . agradeciendole su informacion

Your post is awesome. There are days I have felt like you have described in the above post. Felt like totally and completely giving up, Seen no point of injecting myself with my life saving mixtard insulin (my thinking was in terms of: WHY KEEP ON INJECTING MYSELF JUST TO STAY ALIVE WHILE I LIVE LIKE I AM ALREADY IN HELL), I felt like not testing.

It's articles like that keep us diabetes sufferers going.
By the way I didn't about that disconnecting part. Thanks Chris.

Submitted by Ken Elliott (not verified) on

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Thank you for this article, as I have had diabetes for the last 37 years, I have had a great struggle with exactly what you talk about,,, burnout. For so many years I let diabetes control my life, didn't use a pump as the stigma of things hanging off me was hard to get over; so I finally got a pump 5 months ago. Getting the pump was the best Idea for me, as I am now in control of my diabetes and it does not control me. We all need to come to the realization that we are doing this, as you said, to live a long and healthy life. 37 years ago, the outlook on living longer seemed short in comparison to today's technology. Thank you for your reminder on what the goals are in life, taking control of diabetes.

Submitted by Paige (not verified) on

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Thank you for this article. I normally take a very deep breath and then just simply do the next thing that needs to be done. I've been a T1D for 17 years and my 9 year old daughter has had it for 2 years. I get so completely exhausted with managing both mine and hers while working full time and trying to be super mom and super wife. Too many beep and vibrate alerts, site changes for pumps and CGMs, carb counting, finger sticks, uploading info, reviewing reports to adjust ratios or basal rates, ordering supplies, prescriptions.......the list just goes on and on and on. It's like someone is CONSTANTLY pulling on your pant leg. So annoying. But we puts smiles on our faces and we say "Everyone has their cross to bear and this is ours". I saw something the other day that said "They say that God won't give you more than you can handle. He must think I'm a real badass". Yep.....we ALL are!

I read your post. This is the first time I am seeing your full post. Awesome writing. It's really helpful. Thank you so much for giving the important information.

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a great author. I w?ll make sure to bookmark your blog and will eventually come back later in life.

Submitted by KELLEY SWOPE (not verified) on

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I've been reading all of these posts while waiting on hold with Medtronic. Very interesting, I've been a Type 1 diabetic going on 38 years in December having spent my 13th birthday in the hospital after discovering it. It was really HARD to deal with at that age as some know and can appreciate what I went through. I had the hardest time just pricking my finger. I'm now getting the 670 G. My husband is looking forward to it also since it'll give him peace of mind that when my glucose level drops during the night it will not deliver insulin until I tell it to. I don't know how many people go through extreme lows during the night but it can be quite dangerous with a husband who wants you to take glucose and you're not willing and get angry at him.. not in the right frame of mind. Afterwards he tells me what I did or said , I couldn't believe I said/did that! So I also will be delighted when I get this new pump! I can also know when I'm getting low during the day because it seems like every little thing makes me SAD and wanting to get away from everything & everyone tempting suicide... Do not worry I'm on antidepressants and also get some sugar to deal with the situation!

Submitted by Chris Lewis (not verified) on

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Having type one diabetes for 38 years has been very interesting. I recently went through a burn out where I just didn't want to have diabetes anymore! I received my 670 G insulin pump three weeks ago and have been on auto mode for the past two weeks. For the first time in my life these past two weeks blood sugars have been amazing - constantly in my desired range day and night every day all day! I'm estatic, I feel great, it's lifted my spirit, and it has given me a new outlook on life! For the first time I can really say ... having type one diabetes isn't that bad anymore . This pump has truly changed my life! Thank you Medtronic for this wonderful technology which I hope can be life-changing to many other people

Submitted by Karrie Hawbaker (not verified) on

In reply to by Chris Lewis (not verified)

Chris, great to hear everything is going well!

Submitted by Mick Gurley (not verified) on

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My burnout began with the 670G pump and sensor. My thoughts were that it would really free me up to live life. However I've found it to be a rather binding experience. Between infusion set changes, sensor changes, alerts, beeps, and buzzing, there is rarely a time in the day where I'm not thinking about the disease. During a simpler time-my first pump- I had fantastic A1-C's that were better than with 670G and no stress from the pump like I do now. I've been told that once "it learns you, it'll be better". I've been on the 670G for two months now and there seems no end to the confusion and constant maintenance. Please, any input would be helpful. Thanks for hearing my vent! Mick

Submitted by Karrie Hawbaker (not verified) on

In reply to by Mick Gurley (not verified)

Mick, I am truly sorry to hear this. While our community may have some helpful tips, I would also like to connect you with our 24-Hour HelpLine to see what we can do to help. If you are interested in speaking with someone, please email us at dhelp@medtronic.com.

Submitted by Jenifer Parr (not verified) on

In reply to by Mick Gurley (not verified)

My son's first couple months were not easy. He was high for a couple of weeks while it "learned" what he needed. He had to calibrate in the night for the first 3-4 weeks for the sensor to work well. He finally seemed to even out to only go high again for several days. We were told at the training it's not uncommon for those using the 670 to have to up their carb ratio. So, when he went high again with really no explanation we uped his morning ratio and he finally starting going back into range. He's not been diabetic that long so we're still learning diabetes along with pumping. I hope you are able to get more control soon.

Submitted by Nancy McDonald (not verified) on

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I feel your frustration, Mick. I was just emerging from Diabetes burnout when I got the 670g. Perhaps I was expecting too much but this pump threw me face first back into frustration mode. I was also told to hang in there and trust the pump would learn me. I guess I am complex or I got a not so smart pump but something is not working.

I eat low carb, I have worked hard on my IC ratio to make sure it is correct and my blood sugar is always high (200+ range) from after morning coffee until late evening. I tried not correcting to have the pump “learn”to correct but it doesn’t. I ended up in DKA on a very low carb diet.

Burnout is real. Burnout is frustrating and really difficult to turn around. I wish I had the success I keep reading about on the 670g. So far, for me also, the 670g’s beeping, vibrating, constant need for attention has made burnout accelerated.

I have talked to my endo, countless hours on the help line, trainers and the dreaded Start Right group. Everyone sends you back to your endo who has no clue.

I will keep trying and I pray for success. So far..........

Submitted by Karrie Hawbaker (not verified) on

In reply to by Nancy McDonald (not verified)

Nancy, I am very sorry to hear that you have had trouble. I would like to see if connecting you with a local trainer again would be helpful for you. If you are interested, please email us at dhelp@medtronic.com with your contact information and I will have a teammate give you a call.

Submitted by Karrie Hawbaker (not verified) on

In reply to by Commenter (not verified)

Thanks, Puneet!

Submitted by KELLEY SWOPE (not verified) on

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Nancy, I feel your pain...! I'm about to throw my 670G against a wall with it being so redundant. I'l give it a blood sugar reading and then calibrate, it will then beep saying add another BG for Smart Guard. so I do and it says to calibrate. AGAIN?????!!!EEERRRRR!

Submitted by Karrie Hawbaker (not verified) on

In reply to by KELLEY SWOPE (not verified)

I'm sorry to hear this, Kelley. Our 24-Hour HelpLine may be able to help with this. Please give them a call at your convenience at 800.646.4633, option 1.

Nice and informative article, Chris stocker. Really, my grandma had suffering from diabetes and I was searching the internet for the solution for diabetes burnout. And I've found your blog, it really had tought me to avoid the diabetes burnout for my grandma. Thank you so muccchh!


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