How to Cope with Diabetes Distress

By: SaRene Brooks

If you are feeling overwhelmed with diabetes, you are not alone.

It is likely that almost everyone impacted by diabetes

has experienced distress at some point.

I am a parent of 3 boys, 2 of which have type 1 diabetes. I was raised in a home with a father who also had type 1. I have watched the frustrations related to the overwhelming task of managing blood sugars. I have also felt the weight of the responsibility as a parent caring for children with diabetes. It is a large task on for both parties.

Diabetes distress is described as an emotional and physical exhaustion brought on by the demands of managing diabetes and making it a part of everyday life. It can be felt by the person with diabetes as well as a caregiver or loved one of the individual. Among other things, diabetes distress comes through frustration of fluctuating blood sugars despite best efforts, the constant awareness of its existence in their life or the inconvenience it brings. Regardless of the cause, distress is common among those impacted by diabetes. It is real and if you are experiencing it, you are not alone. If it is not kept in-check it can lead to diabetes burnout.

Distress to Burnout

Diabetes burnout can come from prolonged diabetes distress. When a person reaches this point, it is often reflected in their self-care behaviors. They may feel as though they have hit a wall and consequently will do things such as skip insulin dosing, medications and routine blood sugar checks. This, in turn, may lead to more time spent out of range which continues the cycle.

A Little About Perfectionism

Diabetes care tends to go in waves just like most things in life. There may be times when your blood sugars are in-range for days and then….bam…you are battling stubborn highs or frequent lows. This can bring on frustration, anxiety, and thoughts of self-doubt. If you have continual patterns of highs and/or lows, you may need some insulin adjustments and an appointment with a physician or diabetes educator. But if it is an occasional event, be easy on yourself, then make adjustments as they are needed. Always do your best but don’t expect perfection. Diabetes is not perfect. The tendency to strive for perfection can be hard on your self-esteem and has been shown to contribute to diabetes burnout. Take each situation one at a time and do your best to navigate through. Be prepared but don’t worry about things before they happen.

Impact on Life

Even though diabetes makes a big impact on everyday living, it is important to fit it into your life rather than allowing it to dominate. Don’t get me wrong, blood sugar management is always a top priority. But there are ways to enjoy everything you have always loved to do without letting diabetes stop you. Things such as traveling, birthday parties for kids, playing sports, overnighters, and other such activities should not be missed because of diabetes. Go and enjoy even if your numbers are not exactly where they normally would be. Find ways to take a break from diabetes by identifying areas where you are hyper-vigilant and try backing off a bit – as long as you can do so safely.

Teamwork

It takes a team and you can never have too many on your side. Enlist the help of family and friends by educating them about your diabetes. Teach them how to recognize lows and what action steps to take. Help them understand what it entails for you to manage your diabetes. Find others who have diabetes and create a network of positive support. Also, coordinate with your healthcare team routinely for guidance and help as things change. This should include your primary care physician, a diabetes educator, dentist, eye doctor and any other specialists needed to help you reach your goals.

Look Beyond Yourself

Find ways to serve others, it will always make you feel better. Look for others with diabetes that you can be a role model for. Give support to those who are newly diagnosed and share things you have learned about diabetes care with them. Also, search for opportunities to volunteer with local organizations such as Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation (JDRF), American Diabetes Association (ADA), and others who organize diabetes-related events and camps. If you look around, you will be amazed at all the ways you can make a difference in the diabetes world.

Remember....You are Not Alone

There are over 500 million people living with diabetes world-wide. They are facing their own unique challenges just like you. The good news is that diabetes care is advancing. Stay up on the latest research findings and take advantage of all it offers. We are all in this together. Keep reaching out to help others and allow them to help you. Know that you are not alone in your struggles and you are definitely not the only one who doesn’t have diabetes “figured out”. Celebrate every success no matter how small and give yourself grace when things don’t go as planned.

SaRene Brooks is a Registered Dietitian Nutritionist (RDN) and Certified Diabetes Care and Education Specialist (CDCES). She is a mom of 3 boys who are now married which added 3 girls to her family. 2 of her sons live with type 1 diabetes (T1D). She specializes in helping families who are impacted by type 1 to adjust and make it a part of their everyday life , while enjoying the things they love.

She is the wife of an avid outdoorsman and loves spending time with him in the mountains. She is a grandma, creative cook, educator and loves to help individuals and families meet their health and nutrition goals.