Up until recently, I didn’t even know “Diabetic Burnout” was a thing. As in, I didn’t know there was a name for it. I’ve certainly felt it and been in this state several times over the last 15+ years I’ve been living with diabetes.

Diabetic Burnout is basically being tired of dealing. The everyday poking, tracking, counting, medicine taking gets to be too much and it’s exhausting. Sometimes depressing. Some people quit because they just need a break from it all. So they take one. I’m not saying this is good or bad or right or wrong…each person knows what they can handle and has a right to cope in any way they need to.

I’m tired of diabetes ALL. THE. TIME. I hate testing my sugar and I hate taking my medicine. But I do it. Even when I’m exhausted by it all. So, can you still suffer from diabetic burnout AND take care of yourself? My answer is yes. I can be sick to death of everything that comes with having type 2 diabetes, and still DO it.

Anyway, I’m rambling—-

So, how can you avoid Diabetic Burnout and be #SUGARMAMASTRONG?

1. Have a support system who “gets it”. For me, this was CRUCIAL. It wasn’t until I founded and built up the Sugar Mama Strong Diabetes Support Community that I had people in my life who understood me. Not a member yet? Click here to join us: https://www.facebook.com/groups/1628978570755822/
2. Use google and look up diabetes complications—I’m not saying this to scare you or anything, but this disease can cause some pretty serious issues if ignored. It’s enough to keep me on track for sure!
3. My favorite motto—progress not perfection. There is no “perfect diabetic”. I’ve yet to meet one anyway. Cut yourself some slack and do the best you can! We are all a work in progress. Get as close as you can to your ideal numbers and love yourself through this process.
4. Talk to your doctor. There is no shame in being in a funk about all this. In fact, I think it’s pretty normal. Talk to your doctor if things don’t seem to be looking up for you.
5. Make some time for yourself. As women living with diabetes, it’s easy to put ourselves on the back burner. This often includes our health. Create some time in the busy schedule to do things for YOU—take up a hobby, read a book, knit something—find something that gives you joy. If you are in a positive mindset, you’ll be more apt to taking care of business.

This roller coaster isn’t a fun one. The good thing is, you don’t have to ride it alone. Join us over at #SUGARMAMASTRONG <3