Understanding Diabetes Distress: What It Is and How to Manage It
Living with diabetes can be challenging. From blood sugar levels and medications to diet, exercise and doctor appointments, there’s a lot to manage. Sometimes, all these responsibilities can feel overwhelming, leading to a condition called diabetes distress. Below, we will explain what diabetes distress is, how to recognize it, how to support someone experiencing it, and ways to overcome it.
What is Diabetes Distress?
Diabetes distress is a type of emotional stress that comes from dealing with the daily demands of managing diabetes. It’s not the same as depression, but it can feel just as tough. People with diabetes distress might feel burned out, frustrated, or worried about their health.
This isn’t an uncommon feeling. Many people living with diabetes experience it at some point. It can happen at diagnosis or years into managing the condition.
How Can You Identify Diabetes Distress?
Here are some common signs that someone might be experiencing diabetes distress:
- Feeling overwhelmed by diabetes management tasks, like checking blood sugar or taking medications.
- Being worried all the time about future health problems.
- Avoiding diabetes-related care, such as skipping doctor visits or not checking blood sugar levels.
- Feeling guilty about not following a diabetes care plan perfectly.
- Losing motivation to take care of yourself.
If you or someone you know shows these signs, it’s important to take them seriously.
How Can You Help Someone with Diabetes Distress?
If a friend or family member is struggling with diabetes distress, here’s how you can support them:
- Listen Without Judging: Let them share their feelings without offering criticism. Sometimes, just being there to listen can make a big difference.
- Offer Encouragement: Remind them that they’re not alone and that it’s okay to feel this way.
- Help with Small Tasks: Offer to help with meal planning, grocery shopping or other daily tasks to lighten their load.
- Suggest Professional Support: Encourage them to talk to a diabetes educator, counselor, or doctor who can provide guidance and emotional support.
How to Manage Diabetes Distress
If you’re dealing with diabetes distress, here are some steps to help you feel better:
- Practice Self-Care: Take time to do things that make you happy and relaxed, like reading, walking, or spending time with loved ones.
- Give Yourself Some Grace: Diabetes is tough to manage, and no one gets it all right all the time.
- Talk to Someone You Trust: Share how you’re feeling with a friend, family member, or healthcare provider.
- Join a Support Group: Connecting with others who understand what you’re going through can be incredibly positive. Many communities have in-person or online diabetes support groups.
- Seek Professional Help: Diabetes educators, counselors and therapists are trained to help people manage diabetes distress. Don’t hesitate to reach out for support.
One Step at a Time
Managing diabetes isn’t always easy, and it’s normal to feel stressed or overwhelmed sometimes. Recognizing diabetes distress is the first step toward feeling better. With the right support and strategies, it’s possible to regain control and find balance in your life.
Remember, you’re not alone. There are people and resources ready to help you every step of the way.
Author: Bernice Boivin, RD, CDCES | CCS Health
This site is for educational purposes only. Talk to your doctor or healthcare provider before making any decisions about your health.
