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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.

diabetes burnout

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!