It happens to us all sooner or later, no matter how long we’ve been dealing with diabetes. After all it’s a 24/7 – 365 proposition. There’s no vacation from diabetes, and it’s for a lifetime. Having to monitor numbers every day, sticking yourself with a sharp object and drawing blood, taking all prescribed medications on time every day, watching everything you eat, making sure you maintain the “ideal weight”, getting enough exercise but not going too high or too low from exercise, trying to eat “perfectly” while facing temptations at every turn……….it’s easy to understand why sometimes it just seems to be too much!!!!
And then there are the times when no matter what we do the numbers stay high and we can’t figure out why! How about the unexplained lows too, lows can feel very scary. Add to this the fact that many people don’t have a lot of support from family and friends. Diabetes, especially type-2 is very misunderstood by most of the general public. Many of the reports you read and hear suggest that it’s your fault because you gained weight, ate too much junk food, was a couch potato….in other words this is your fault and all you have to do is lose weight and exercise and you’ll be CURED!!! I have a friend that when he told his mother about his diabetes she answered: “well it’s all your fault, I told you that being so fat would make you a diabetic”. <sigh> This is a common attitude with the general public, and the current media and even medical authorities do nothing to help the situation but make it worse with their “blame the victim” information. The truth is that if you don’t have the genetic markers for diabetes you could weigh 500 pounds and never get off the sofa and you still would not develop diabetes. If you want to blame anyone, blame your ancestors (and they can blame their’s). For more on this subject read the post “Don’t Should All Over Yourself“.
As though all of this wasn’t enough there’s also the stress of everyday life, and the current times magnify this situation. Then there are the events in our life that cause even more than normal stress such as the dead of a loved one, a divorce, job loss………..
So living with diabetes is a very real challenge. I will be doing a series of articles outlining the problems and ways of recognizing and coping with both burnout and stress in the next few months. Hopefully they will help give you tools to help with these situations when they come up in your life.
We all need a friend who understands, but don’t forget that first and foremost you have to be your own best friend and look out for you! 
Lizzy
© EMO 6/12
Knowledge is Power
When I was diagnosed, close to 11 years ago, I was told “you are diabetic”, given a prescription for some medication, and told to wait for a nurse to come in and give me an insulin shot. When I picked up the prescription I was given a 10-page booklet telling me “All About How to Mange Diabetes”, and sent on my way. That was the extent of my “education”. 
This is SOOOO TRUE! Even my family (and genetically they could be next….but I hope not) says “oh, just lose some weight and you’ll be fine!” And while I know that is part of the process of controlling my diabetes, along with exercise, I also know this is a life-long diagnosis, and you’re right, it does make you weary sometimes. Thanks for your blog-you give common sense advice and address the issues we’re all thinking about but are not sure what to do about them, all while putting a smile on my face, and helping me stick my finger the next time I need to. And, I am pleased to report I had my first sub-100 bg last week at 97 since being diagnosed! Yay!!! My next A1C is in three weeks – I’m hoping that’s improved too…my fingers are crossed!
Hi Mrs. Bugsy,
YAY, congrats on th sub-100!!!! I’m sure that your next A1C will be much better. I hope you feel better now too.
Lizzy
After being diagnosed with type 2 in December of 2011 and a A1 of a 11.5, today i went to the DR and my A1 is a 5, He dropped my Lantus to 20 units a day and said no more testing my blood only if i feel high or low, But for some reason, i guess its denial i was hoping to hear him say ok stop taking the insulin. Im still having trouble accepting this is for life.. So far i have went from 250 to 216 but i still am loosing.. Some days i dont wanna even deal with diabetes.. Hopefully this burnout wont last long.. Thanks for letting me rant… Oh and i do love this website so much information for a newly diagnosed diabetic.. Thanks Lizzy!!
Hi Sharla,
Great work on the A1C!!!
It’s best to take things slowly, see what the reduction in Lantus does to the numbers. If they are still good on the next visit he’ll probably tell you to drop it then.
There are still some days after 11 years when I don’t want to deal with it either, so you’re not alone. Treat yourself to something nice, you deserve it. Buy a new outfit or book or something you’ve been wanting. Don’t wait for a reward from others, reward yourself.
Lizzy
Hi Lizzy
This was a very timely newsletter for me. That’s exactly what
I have been feeling. Lots of life stresses are hitting me right
Now and my first thought is comfort food. Wow. First 3 months
I did so good, this 3 months has been really hard. I go to md
For A1C results Monday.
Burnout — good word.
Betsy
Hi Betsy,
There’s a reason why you’re craving “comfort food” and that’s because carbs can increase the Serotonin and Dopamine hormone levels in your system temporarily. That’s also why a lot of people think those types of foods are addictive. The major problem with this (besides high numbers) is that it only alters and improves your mood temporarily. It wears off, and leaves you wanting more and more.
That’s the problem with the long haul, no vacations. One good non-food way to help is exercise. it’s great for stress and also raises your “feel good” hormone levels. It’s low calorie too!
Disease…………..where is the spell check when I need it!!?!?!?!?!?
Just spell it close to what you think it is Susan, I’ll probably be able to figure it out LOL. Everyone else will just think it’s a typo.
Lizzy
Lizzy,
Once again THANK YOU SO MUCH!!!!!! I have been able to find a ton of info and tools (mostly on this site
) to help me deal with the physical aspects of diabetes, but there is very little help with regards to the emotional stress that our desease imposses on us.
On a happy note, just got my 3 month A1c test back and by using the tips and tools in your section “diet and exercise” ……………..drum roll………….5.7 Woo Hoo!!!!
I consider this as OUR victory, you have been with me every step of the way!
*hugs*
Susan
Fantastic news Susan!!!
I just wrote some info., you’re the one who did all of the work.
Keep up the great work.
Lizzy