Are you tired of diabetes too? (Diabetes Burnout) - Let's go on this journey together!

Living with Diabetes Mellitus is like a job with a to-do list, right? You wake up in the morning checking your blood sugar, taking your medication on time, thinking about what you eat and drink, exercising... It's normal to feel like "Enough!" when you're doing all this. If you feel the same way, you're not alone. We call this condition ``Diabetes Burnout'' or mental exhaustion caused by diabetes. So let's see how to overcome this situation.

1. Understand that no one is 100% perfect.

The most important thing to remember first is this. Diabetes is not a disease that we can take a break from. That's true. But no one in this world can control their blood sugar levels 100% every day, all the time, control their diet, and exercise regularly.

Imagine, you went to a friend's party and ate a small piece of cake there. Or one day you were too busy to exercise. The next day when you checked your blood sugar, it was a little high. When that happens, don't feel like the world is ending, blame yourself, and feel sad.

This is like a cricket match. You can't hit a six every ball. Some balls are dots, some are one run, some are fours and sixes. The important thing is to keep playing. So don't worry about missing a target one day, start again the next day.

2. Find out what is stressing you out.

It's normal to feel fear, anger, sadness, and anxiety when living with diabetes. Doctors call this "diabetes distress." There are several main reasons why this stress can occur. Let's see if you're feeling any of these too.

If you're feeling stressed by things like this, the first step is to recognize it. Then you can start thinking about ways to deal with them.

3. Set realistic small goals

Don't set big goals all at once, like "I'll lose 10 kilos in a month." If we don't achieve them, we'll get even more depressed.

Instead, set small, achievable goals.

• Example: If you want to lose 20 kilos, set a goal like "I will lose 1 kilo this month."
• If you're a daily sugary drinker, start by saying, "I'll drink water instead of sugary drinks one day."
• If you eat ice cream every night, make a change by saying, "I'll eat a small cup instead of a large one."

4. Never be ashamed to ask for help.

You are not fighting this battle alone. There are a lot of people who can help you.

• Your doctor and healthcare team: They are your greatest strength.
• Family and friends: Choose someone you trust to talk to when you're feeling down and share your feelings. Ask, "I'm feeling a little down today, can we talk for a bit?" Ask for help, like, "Can you remind me when to take my medicine?"
• Support Groups: Talking to others who are living with diabetes like you is a great relief. When you share your experiences, you feel like you're not the only one suffering from this.

5. Accept that this journey may be difficult with life changes.

Life doesn't always flow the same way. Sometimes you have to face big changes.

• Starting to go to campus.
• Getting a new job.
• A new complication due to diabetes.
• Starting a new medication.

When these changes occur, managing diabetes can become more difficult. That's normal. So understand that during these times, you may need extra support. Talk to your doctor about it in advance and be prepared for it.

6. Talk openly about everything with your doctor.

It's important to continue seeing your doctor. When you do, be sure to talk about not only your physical problems but also your emotional feelings .

Don't be afraid to say things like, "Doctor, I feel exhausted from all this," "I'm always afraid of sugar," or "I'm feeling down because of my family's sugar addiction."

Even if your doctor is an expert in diabetes management, it's your responsibility to explain the stress it can cause to him. He can then help you and, if necessary, refer you to a mental health counselor.