Published: 14 October, 2026 Living with diabetes involves making decisions every day. Managing blood glucose levels, medications, food and physical activity can often feel overwhelming. Over time, managing diabetes can take an emotional toll. This can lead to diabetes distress and burnout. While the daily demands of diabetes won’t disappear, there are ways to make them easier to manage. Understanding diabetes distress and burnout Diabetes distress It’s normal to experience a range of emotions when living with diabetes. You may feel worried, frustrated, stressed, or exhausted at times. If these feelings don’t go away, they can affect your emotional wellbeing and diabetes management. Diabetes distress is the emotional impact of managing diabetes every day. It can involve feeling: overwhelmed by the demands of diabetes frustrated by the effort required to manage the condition discouraged when things don’t go to plan worried about long-term health problems. Diabetes distress is common. Australian research found that high levels of diabetes distress affect about 1 in 4 people with type 1 diabetes and 1 in 5 people with insulin-treated type 2 diabetes. Many people experience diabetes distress at some point in their lives. If you’re feeling this way, you’re not alone. Diabetes distress can start affecting your life, including work, study, relationships or diabetes management. When this happens, it may be a sign that you need support. If diabetes distress is not managed, it can lead to burnout. Diabetes burnout Diabetes burnout is physical and emotional exhaustion caused by the ongoing demands of managing diabetes. People with diabetes burnout may feel disconnected from themselves and their diabetes care. Signs of diabetes burnout include: avoiding diabetes-related tasks such as checking blood glucose levels or taking medication missing healthcare appointments changes in eating habits, such as eating much more or less than usual feeling like you want to ‘switch off’ from diabetes feeling fed up or disconnected from managing diabetes. Diabetes distress and burnout can make diabetes feel harder to manage, but getting support can make a difference. How support can help Getting support can feel like one more thing to add to an already overwhelming ‘to do’ list. However, the right support can help make diabetes easier to manage. Getting support can help you: feel less alone in what you’re experiencing reduce feelings of stress, overwhelm or frustration develop practical ways to manage the daily demands of diabetes focus on what matters most when diabetes feels too hard to manage reduce the mental load of diabetes by sharing challenges with others set realistic expectations and let go of the need to be perfect reconnect with your diabetes care if you’ve been feeling disconnected. When to get support You don’t need to wait until you’re feeling overwhelmed to reach out for support. Consider getting support if: feelings of stress, frustration or worry about diabetes are not going away diabetes is affecting your mood, relationships, work or study you’re finding it difficult to stay on top of your diabetes management you’re avoiding diabetes-related tasks or appointments you feel exhausted or disconnected from managing diabetes. You can find support by talking to: a family member or friend your doctor your diabetes educator or other health professional. Your doctor can discuss support options with you. They may refer to you to a psychologist or other mental health professional. If you or someone you know needs immediate support, contact Lifeline on 13 11 14 or visit the Lifeline website. Times when diabetes distress is more common There are times when diabetes can feel more difficult to manage. These may include: being newly diagnosed with diabetes starting or increasing insulin changing diabetes medicines experiencing unexpected blood glucose changes that are outside your target range developing diabetes-related complications or other health conditions being unwell. Life events such as work pressures, financial stress, relationship changes or caring responsibilities can also make managing diabetes feel more challenging. These feelings are common. They do not mean you are failing. If you have concerns, it is important to talk to your doctor or health professional. Looking after your emotional wellbeing You can’t remove the demands of diabetes, but there are things you can do to support your emotional wellbeing, including: talking about your concerns before they become overwhelming staying connected with family, friends and your health professionals being kind to yourself making time for activities that you enjoy connecting with others who understand the experience of living with diabetes getting enough sleep each night. Looking after your physical health with regular physical activity and healthy eating can also support your emotional wellbeing. For more practical tips, tools and strategies, explore the NDSS Building your wellbeing toolkit. Key takeaway Diabetes distress and burnout is common. Knowing the signs and getting the right support can help you look after your emotional wellbeing. Support can’t remove the demands of diabetes but it can make it easier to manage. More information and support Looking after your mind – practical tips, tools and information to support emotional wellbeing Support services – information about mental health, crisis and community support services. Diabetes distress fact sheet – learn more about the signs of diabetes distress and where to get help. NDSS Peer Support website – connect with others who understand the experience of living with diabetes. NDSS Helpline – call 1800 637 700 for information and support for people living with diabetes.
