how to deal with Type-2 Burnout

Type 2 Diabetes Burnout

My experience as a diabetes educator caring for children and families with type 1 diabetes, I am remarkably familiar with “caregiver burnout.” My new opportunity at IDS, allows me to work with adults diagnosed with type 2 diabetes. This new endeavor has exposed me to a different burnout…” type 2 burnout.” Hearing that you are diagnosed with type 2 diabetes is stressful and often associated with guilt and frustration. Following this diagnosis, people often feel they can manage it on their own and a make a plan of alleviating all sugar and wish it away.

February hosts the month of Valentine’s Day. Valentine’s day is a time to show our love and affection for loved ones and is surrounded by chocolate! However, this year I would like to suggest taking a slightly different approach to this holiday. I challenge you to turn that love and affection inward. Taking time to nurture the person who normally dispenses the love and support to others.

If you are struggling with a new or old diagnosis of pre-diabetes or type 2 diabetes, here are a few suggestions to help tame the feelings of being out of control and stressed. Empower yourself through education and face this challenge head-on and focus on your own well-being.

• Identify or put a name on how you are feeling related to this diagnosis.
• Set realistic expectations and goals.
• Reach out to your family practitioner or obtain a referral to see a mental health specialist if you are feeling overwhelmed.
• Listen to music.
• Download a meditation app, the one I use is Calm.
• Put your air pods or earphones on and take a walk.
• Attend a yoga class in person or virtually
• Participate in any type of physical activity to help boost your mood and decrease your blood sugars.
• Start coloring or re-invest in a favorite hobby
• Take control of your diagnosis and ask for a referral for the “Thriving with Diabetes” course to learn tools to manage your diabetes and meet friends who are on the same page
• Pause for a minute to praise yourself for tackling this “burnout” head-on!