Dealing with Diabetes Burnout

May 5, 2014
Diabetes coach Vieira (Emotional Eating with Diabetes) helps readers set realistic, clear, and specific goals, and learn to approach the disease with resilience and compassion. Diagnosed with Type 1 diabetes as well as celiac disease in 1999, Vieira finds herself constantly graded and judged—by herself and others. Persistent watchfulness is required to manage blood sugar levels, and this ever-present monitoring can lead to guilt, blame, self-sabotage, hopelessness, and burnout. Diabetics, the author notes, are also more likely to suffer from depression. It’s okay to be imperfect, she contends; in fact, it’s impossible not to be. In separate chapters Vieira addresses issues like blood sugar, exercise, and nutrition, with diabetics contributing their experiences, solutions, and challenges. Sympathetic about the problems diabetics face, Vieira encourages readers to stay positive and resist self-criticism. While a support team is helpful, it may be necessary to teach others how to respond to the disease in a useful way. The workbook-like format allows room for readers to jot down comments and self-assessments. Vieira’s personable yet informative approach will appeal to diabetics and those who strive to support them.