Ways to Reduce T1D Burnout

Andi Balog
Apr 24
5 min read

T1D burnout? Yeah, it's real. And if you're reading this, you're probably in the thick of it — or about to fall face-first into it.

Whether you’ve had type 1 a long time or you're just newly diagnosed, T1D burnout can sneak up on you. It’s that creeping exhaustion that’s not just physical — it’s mental, emotional, and downright draining. But here’s the kicker: T1D burnout isn’t inevitable. It's not some rite of passage you have to accept. There are real, actionable steps you can take to prevent it and, even better, get through it if you're in the middle of it right now.

What Actually Causes T1D Burnout?

Burnout doesn’t just mean you’re wiped out. It’s the perfect storm of stress, confusion, and frustration that comes from living with or caring for someone with Type 1 Diabetes. It’s mental, emotional, and physical exhaustion all at once — and there are a few key factors that lead to it happening (and that you can focus on changing to make it no longer part of your reality).

Listen to Podcast Episode

1. The Diagnosis Overwhelm

When you first get diagnosed, everything changes. Your life flips upside down and suddenly, you’re juggling insulin doses, carb counts, and blood sugar checks — on top of everything else you had going on. You're now a full-time pancreas and you don't even know what you're doing... no wonder you're overwhelmed with anxiety!

2. The Mental Game: Your Thoughts Are Holding You Back

If you’ve caught yourself thinking, “T1D is impossible to manage” or “It’s just how my life is now”, then guess what? That mentality is fuelling your burnout. Feeling helpless or like you have no control? That’s burnout’s best friend. It’s time to shift your mindset: you are in charge of your type 1 diabetes, not the other way around. Empower yourself to acknowledge this truth, and you’ll feel burnout start to lose its grip.

3. The Guessing Game — Every Single Day

Ever feel like you’re playing t1d roulette with every meal, dose, and workout? That constant second-guessing is exhausting. You’re not just making decisions — you’re guessing what might work. And the mental fatigue from that constant uncertainty is a major contributor to burnout. You need a system, strategies and to know what works (and what doesn't), so you're not just winging it and hoping for the best.

4. Disorganization? Total Chaos.

Is your T1D life a total mess? Missing or messy supplies, last-minute prescriptions, no clue what your settings are — that’s not just frustrating or stressful... it’s fatiguing. I'm talking all of your diabetes stuff sliding around the bottom of your handbag or backpack, or shoved into a box under your bed or in your closet... T1D doesn’t mix well with “I’ll deal with it later.” We have to be organised with t1d to take control and keep burnout at bay.

5. Support? Or Lack of?

Doing Type 1 Diabetes alone is possible, but incredibly hard! When your support system is weak, you’re basically running solo in a race you didn’t even sign up for. Whether it’s a dismissive doctor, a partner who just doesn’t get it, or no one to vent to, the absence of real support? It’s a direct line to burnout.

How to Reduce T1D Burnout

Now that we’ve laid out what’s really behind T1D burnout, let’s talk about how to fix it. Because here’s the thing: burnout doesn’t just magically appear.. or disappear. You’ve got to actively do the work and understand what's happening to be able to change it. So let's do that!

A journal is a great way to keep track of your dosages, settings and 'trial and errors' of t1d management.

Change the Mental Game

The first step? Stop thinking burnout with Type 1 Diabetes is inevitable. You have to believe good (easy) control is possible. Because if you don’t, why would you even try? Flip the script on your thoughts — believe that you can manage this, do your research (outside the doctors office) and surround yourself with people who are already living life with T1D and have a handle on their blood sugars in a much more calm, and collected way....and then show up as if you can too!

Educate Yourself — For Real

Don’t rely on 15-minute Endo appointments to teach you how to live with this Type 1 Diabetes every minute of the day. Get curious. Learn the patterns of your body. Know what works for you, not just the generic advice. Understanding the mechanisms behind exercise, food, hormones and how they impact T1D will make you feel more in control and less burned out. I teach more about this in my THR1VE membership T1D trainings here.

Get Comfortable with the Uncertainty

T1D isn’t about avoiding mistakes — it’s about learning from them. The trial and error can feel like a never-ending struggle, but avoiding making any moves in case it's the wrong one will only drag the learning process out even longer. Embrace the uncertainty, take action, and adjust as you go. It’s the best way to move forward.

**Get Your Sh*t Together (Seriously)**

Keep track of your blood sugars, dosages/carb counts, supplies, prescriptions and settings. Be prepared for if you have an insulin pump failure, or a sick day. Being organised doesn’t just save time, it saves your sanity and keeps you level-headed when shit hits the fan! Because it will (at some point)!

Build a Support Network That Actually Works for You

Find people who get it. You don’t need a doctor/endo/DE who talks down to you or a partner who can’t support you in the day-to-day grind of T1D. Find a team that supports you and your journey, and don’t be afraid to change if your current one isn’t cutting it.

Remember - burnout with T1D isn't inevitable.

T1D is tough. No doubt about it. But burnout doesn’t have to be (or continue to be) your reality. And if you’re feeling stuck, reach out below!

Get help from someone who has lived with Type1 (and also understands health & fitness)

My 1on1 coaching sessions are designed to help you learn the fundamentals of good blood sugar management, including learning how to dose accurately based on your needs. Together, we can work on dialling in your blood sugar levels around meals, exercise, hormonal cycles and more - to help you feel more in control and confident in your daily life with Type1.

Join the THR1VE membership for individuals with T1D and carers of

The THR1VE membership is an online video trainings and resources platform that will help you thrive with Type 1 Diabetes. You will gain access to in-depth video trainings on the fundamental steps to good blood sugar management, a Carb Counted Recipe Database with bolusing tips, and monthly LIVE group trainings to help you apply what you've learned and answer your questions - plus so much more!