T1D Burnout: Spotting the Signs and Finding Your Way Back
Managing Type 1 Diabetes is a 24/7 job. There are no breaks, no “day off,” and no holidays from checking blood sugars, counting carbs and managing insulin. Over time, this constant responsibility can feel overwhelming- not just for children and teenagers living with diabetes, but also for the parents and caregivers who support them.
This feeling of exhaustion, frustration or even indifference towards diabetes management is called diabetes burnout. It can happen at any age, from toddlers to teens (and yes, parents too!). But the good news? It’s completely normal, and there are ways to manage and prevent it.
So, let’s break it down- what does burnout look like at different stages, and how you can help yourself or your child get back on track?
What is Diabetes Burnout?
Diabetes burnout is physical, emotional and mental exhaustion caused by the ongoing demands of managing T1D. It can show up as:
Frustration with daily diabetes tasks
Feeling overwhelmed or tired of dealing with diabetes
Avoiding diabetes management (skipping checks, ignoring alarms or neglecting insulin)
Emotional distress, such as anger, sadness or feeling hopeless about diabetes
Apathy (not caring about blood sugar levels or health outcomes)
Burnout can affect anyone living with diabetes- whether it’s a toddler who resists finger pricks, a teenager who avoids testing, or a parent who feels exhausted from the relentless worry and responsibility.
Signs of Diabetes Burnout at Different Ages
Toddlers (Ages 1-3): The Tiny but Mighty Fighters
Toddlers don’t fully understand diabetes yet, but they definitely understand what they don’t like! The constant pokes, injections and changes in routine can lead to tantrums and resistance.
Signs of burnout in toddlers:
Fighting blood sugar checks or insulin injections
Crying or screaming during diabetes care
Becoming more irritable or upset around meal or injection times
Refusing to eat, making carb counting a challenge
Seeking control in other areas (e.g., refusing to wear shoes, resisting bedtime)
How to help:
Make diabetes care fun with stickers, songs or a special toy for distraction
Offer choices where possible (e.g., “Do you want to check your blood sugar before or after reading a book?”)
Validate their feelings. “ I know this isn’t fun, but we’re doing it to keep you strong!”
Give lots of praise and cuddles- diabetes is tough, but they’re tougher!
Children (Ages 4-10): The Growing Independence Stage
At this age, children may start to understand diabetes but can still feel frustrated by its limitations. They might start noticing they’re “different” from their peers, which can lead to feelings of isolation.
Signs of burnout in children:
Complaining about diabetes more than usual
Expressing anger or sadness about having diabetes
Wanting to ignore diabetes tasks (e.g., refusing to check blood sugar)
Feeling left out at school or social events
Sudden behaviour changes, like becoming withdrawn or easily upset
How to help:
Encourage independence: Let them choose their finger for testing or help with carb counting
Reframe diabetes as a superpower: “Not everyone can manage what you do every day!”
Connect with other kids with T1D (through local groups or diabetes camps)
Keep things lighthearted and positive- celebrate the little victories!
Teenagers (Ages 11-18): The Rebellious or Secretive Stage
Teenage years are challenging as it is- add T1D into the mix, and it’s a whole new level of frustration. Teens want independence and may push back against diabetes management, sometimes neglecting their care.
Signs of burnout in teens:
Avoiding or lying about blood sugar checks
Skipping insulin doses or boluses
Expressing feelings of resentment (“Why do I have to deal with this?”)
Struggling with body image due to diabetes-related changes (e.g., weight fluctuations, scars from injections)
Hiding diabetes from friends or avoiding social situations involving food
Feeling anxious or depressed
How to help:
Give them space but stay involved- don’t nag, but check in with them
Use tech to make life easier (CGMs, smart insulin pens, or apps that send gentle reminders)
Talk openly about how they’re feeling- sometimes they just need to vent
Encourage peer support: Finding other teens with diabetes (through social media or diabetes camps) can be life-changing
Normalise mistakes- help them understand that diabetes isn’t about “perfection,” just doing their best
Parents: The Unsung Heroes (Who Need a Break, Too!)
Let’s not forget the parents and caregivers- because burnout isn’t just for those living with diabetes! The constant worry, sleepless nights and responsibility can be exhausting.
Signs of parental burnout:
Feeling overwhelmed, exhausted or emotionally drained
Snapping at family members or feeling more irritable than usual
Feeling anxious or guilty about your child’s diabetes management
Difficulty concentrating or making decisions
Wanting to “check out” and avoid thinking about diabetes
How to help:
Give yourself grace- you’re doing an amazing job, even when it doesn’t feel like it
Ask for help- lean on your partner, family or diabetes team
Take breaks: Schedule time for self-care, even if it’s just 30 minutes for a walk or a coffee break
Join a support group- connecting with other diabetes parents can be a game-changer
Celebrate small wins- every blood sugar check, every meal counted, every night survived is a victory!
Preventing and Managing Diabetes Burnout
Burnout won’t disappear overnight, but there are ways to prevent it from taking over:
Set realistic goals- no one has perfect blood sugars all the time. Focus on progress, one day at a time, not perfection.
Make diabetes management easier- use technology (CGMs, insulin pumps, meal-planning apps) to reduce the daily burden
Take mental health seriously- talk to a counsellor or diabetes psychologist if needed
Have fun! Diabetes doesn’t define your child- make time for hobbies, outings and activities that have nothing to do with blood sugar levels
Lean on your community- support groups, diabetes charities and online forums can remind you that you’re not alone
Final Thoughts: You’ve Got This!
Diabetes burnout is real, but it doesn’t have to take over. Whether your child is a toddler throwing a tantrum, a school age kid feeling frustrated or a teen who’s had enough- there’s always a way forward.
And for parents? Take a deep breath. You’re doing better than you think.
If you or your child are struggling, reach out for support- whether it’s your diabetes team, a support group or a friend who gets it. You’re not in this alone, and together we can make diabetes a little less overwhelming.