[acb-diabetics] 5 steps to help with diabetic burnout

[Patricia LaFrance-Wolf]

Burnout is common among people with diabetes
<http://www.diabeteshealth.com/> , especially those who have had the disease
for years, even decades. Diabetes management can be exhausting, confusing,
and frustrating, particularly when you think you are doing everything right
but your blood
<http://www.diabeteshealth.com/browse/monitoring/blood-sugar/>  sugars still
fail to cooperate.

We've all heard the saying, "When the going gets tough, the tough get
going." In terms of diabetes, this means recognizing that the same old
routine isn't always going to combat diabetes, a disease that never ceases
to throw us a curve ball.

When you find yourself in a negative and harmful rut, it's time to
re-evaluate your management plan and make positive changes that will propel
your disease into a calmer and more predictable season, one that will no
doubt yield more energy and less frustration. To get started, ask yourself
questions in the following five areas.

Medication

Make a list of the medications and dosages that you're taking. How long have
you been on these medications and taken the same dosages? Are there newer
medications on the market or alternative treatments that might help your
management? What medications might you no longer need? Which ones might
require an increased dose? These are all good questions to discuss with your
doctor.

Exercise <http://www.diabeteshealth.com/browse/fitness/exercise/> 

Are you exercising? How often? How long? Is there another type of exercise
you should be doing? Do you enjoy the exercise you've chosen? If not, what
are the alternatives? If you are not exercising, what is hindering you from
doing so? Again, bring your questions to the attention of your doctor and
see what he or she suggests.

Diet

What do you eat that gives you energy and helps you maintain healthy blood
sugars? What are you eating that hinders your diabetes management? Are you
eating often enough? Too often? How are your portion sizes? What food groups
are you neglecting? Are you staying hydrated throughout the day? If you
haven't already, establish a relationship with a registered dietitian who
will help you navigate changes in your diet.

Sleep

Are you sleeping too much? Not enough? What about your quality of sleep? How
comfortable is your bed? Is your bedroom noisy? Too light? Too dark? Are you
taking medications that might be interrupting your sleep? How are your blood
sugars when you sleep? Ask your doctor to refer you to a sleep specialist
for advice and answers.

Doctors

How do you feel when you are with your doctor? Nervous? Relieved? Fearful?
Discouraged? Encouraged? Think about the people on your diabetes care team
and decide where changes need to be made. The caregivers who guide you
through your diabetes journey should be knowledgeable, personable,
experienced, honest, and encouraging. If you are not getting your needs met,
begin searching for a new doctor.

By addressing these five areas and taking your disease by the reins, you
will no doubt be on your way to a happier and healthier tomorrow.

  _____  

Categories:Blood Sugar
<http://www.diabeteshealth.com/browse/monitoring/blood-sugar/> , Diabetes
<http://www.diabeteshealth.com/browse/community/diabetes/> ,
<http://www.diabeteshealth.com/browse/community/diabetes/> 

 

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