Guest blog: When Managing Diabetes Feels Harder Than the Disease Itself

Living with diabetes, whether it’s type 1 or type 2, isn’t just about managing blood sugar levels or counting carbs. It’s a full-time job—one that demands vigilance, precision, and an endless reserve of patience.

Think about it this way: managing diabetes means constantly keeping tabs on what you eat, drink, and do. Did you get enough sleep? Are you stressed? Did you take your medication at the right time? Did you check your blood glucose levels this morning?

Add in the fact that even when you do everything right, the numbers on your glucose monitor might not reflect your efforts. Hormones, illness, weather, exercise, and even something as simple as a disrupted routine can throw your blood sugars off balance. It’s no wonder so many people describe diabetes management as a hopeless game of whack-a-mole.

And here’s the kicker: unlike most jobs, there’s no time off. Diabetes care is 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, 365 days a year. It’s a job with no weekends, no holidays, and no sick days.

This level of ongoing effort adds an invisible weight to your mind—a weight that other people might not see but one that you feel every single day.

The Emotional Toll No One Sees

It’s easy for others to overlook the emotional burden of diabetes. Friends and family might say things like, “Just watch what you eat,” or “It’s just a matter of being careful.”

But those who live with diabetes know it’s so much more than that. It’s not just about physical health—it’s a mental and emotional battle, too. Research highlights just how common diabetes distress really is:

• 1 in 6 people with non-insulin-treated type 2 diabetes experience severe diabetes distress.

• 1 in 5 people with insulin-treated type 2 diabetes.

• 1 in 4 people with type 1 diabetes.

These numbers reflect a hidden reality: diabetes is exhausting. And if this emotional burden is ignored, it can evolve into diabetes burnout.

Burnout happens when the pressure of managing diabetes becomes so overwhelming that it feels easier to give up. Maybe you skip medications. Maybe you stop checking your glucose levels. Maybe you avoid your next GP appointment because the thought of discussing your numbers fills you with frustration or shame.

But burnout isn’t laziness. It’s what happens when people reach their emotional limit. It’s the mind’s way of saying, “I can’t do this anymore.”

What’s Your Inner Weather?

If you’ve noticed that you’re starting to feel frustrated, hopeless, or less engaged with your diabetes care, take a moment to check in with yourself:

“Do I feel like I’m at war with my diabetes and losing the battle?”

If the answer is yes, then it's important to state tuning into your inner weather:

• Are storm clouds of demotivation gathering with thoughts like, “I can’t be bothered with this anymore”?

• Is a gust of hopelessness blowing in, carried by thoughts like, “I’ve tried all the advice, and nothing works”?

• Or maybe a cold front of resentment is sweeping in with, “It’s just not fair!”?

The first step? Be kind to yourself.

These thoughts and feelings are not signs of weakness. They’re signs of how hard you’re trying. Acknowledge them, and remind yourself that diabetes care is demanding—it’s okay to struggle.

Recognising Diabetes Burnout

Diabetes burnout doesn’t happen overnight. It builds up slowly, often without us even noticing. It might start with small things: skipping a glucose check here, avoiding a meal plan there. Over time, the frustration and exhaustion grow until even the smallest acts of self-care feel impossible.

How Can You Recognise Burnout?

• You feel mentally and physically exhausted.

• You’re frustrated or resentful about your diabetes care.

• You’ve started neglecting medications, check-ups, or glucose monitoring.

• You’re avoiding conversations about your diabetes because they feel overwhelming.

It’s important to remember: burnout is not failure. It’s a natural response to a relentless and demanding task. The earlier you notice the signs, the better you can address them.

Practical Reflection: What’s Difficult for You Right Now?

Take a moment to reflect:

• What part of your diabetes care feels hardest for you right now?

• Have you noticed any shifts in your mood, energy, or motivation recently?

• Are there any small habits or tasks that you’ve been avoiding?

Write down your answers, or simply say them aloud. Sometimes, just putting your thoughts into words can help you feel lighter.

You Are Not Alone

Managing diabetes can feel lonely, especially when others don’t understand the emotional toll it takes. But you’re not alone in this. Diabetes distress and burnout are common, and recognising these feelings is the first step toward taking back control.

Be kind to yourself. Diabetes care is not about perfection—it’s about persistence. Every small effort counts.

What’s Next?

In my next post, we’ll explore practical strategies to help you:

• Manage diabetes burnout.

• Reconnect with what truly matters to you.

• Take small, achievable steps toward a healthier, kinder approach to self-care.

You’re doing better than you think. And you don’t have to do this alone.

About the author

Sarah Cosway is a BABCP accredited Cognitive Behavioural Psychotherapist with over a decade of experience in mental health, both within the NHS and in private practice. She offers tailored CBT in a compassionate, collaborative environment, empowering clients to build resilience and manage their mental well-being with confidence.

www.coswaycbt.co.uk

References

Speight, J., Holmes-Truscott, E., Hendrieckx, C., Pouwer, F., & Hagger, V. (2015). Diabetes MILES-2 2015 Survey Report. Diabetes Victoria, Melbourne