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

Thu May 24 18:48:34 EDT 2012

Sorry, but there is a number six here! Nobody talks about the tools. 
The testing routine, the wearing of pumps, CGM's the carrying around 
of stuff and the fitting in at restaurants and such. I think this is 
way over-simplified. I don't think a burn-out discussion is complete 
without talking about how hard are we on ourselves when things don't 
go right, how we react and what we do or don't do when we're just 
sick of dealing with diabetes, etc. I don't know about the rest of 
you, but when I really hit burn-out, the last thing I want to do is 
go sit down with someone and review all the meds and each thing I 
want to eat. Last week, ahem, confession time here, I went to visit 
my podiatrist. Now, the reason I go there is to get help cutting my 
toe nails because they're kind of thick and the rheumatoid arthritis 
makes it a bit rough for me to cut them. But if they can call it a 
diabetic visit, they get more money. So, I showed up and it was a big 
time burn-out day for me. Now, here comes the questioning. What was 
your blood sugar this morning? I just hi
t this moment of man, can't even just cut my stupid toe nails without 
having to confess to someone and what will they do with the number 
anyway? So, I just said, 2016. Funny thing, she got real quiet, wrote 
something down and that was the end of that. It will be interesting 
to see what happens the next time.
Last year, for a few weeks, I actually entertained the notion of 
talking with a counselor on the diabetes education staff about 
burn-out. And how did every session start? Here's the progress form 
to fill out. What was your blood sugar this morning? Have you reduced 
your portions? I didn't last there.
No, in my opinion, this article totally missed on the coping 
strategies. Sure, all those things are great to do. But they missed 
that no man's land of burn-out when motivation flags and you have to 
move through that part before being able to do all of those oh so 
positive cheery things. Bah humbug! <grin.>

Veronica
.
At 02:38 PM 5/24/2012, you wrote:

>Burnout is common among people with 
><http://www.diabeteshealth.com/>diabetes, 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 
><http://www.diabeteshealth.com/browse/monitoring/blood-sugar/>blood 
>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.
>
><http://www.diabeteshealth.com/browse/fitness/exercise/>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:<http://www.diabeteshealth.com/browse/monitoring/blood-sugar/>Blood 
>Sugar, 
><http://www.diabeteshealth.com/browse/community/diabetes/>Diabetes<http://www.diabeteshealth.com/browse/community/diabetes/>, 
>
>
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