Diabetes Burnout: What to Do When You Can't Take It Anymore

by William H. Polonsky

Living with diabetes is hard. It's easy to get discouraged, frustrated, and burned out. Here's an author that understands the emotional rollercoaster and gives you the tools you need to keep from being overwhelmed, addressing such issues as dealing with friends and family, and how you can better handle the stress for better health. Written with compassion and a sprinkle of humor.

Genres: Nonfiction, Health, Self Help, Reference

360 pages, Paperback

First published November 1, 1999

Reviews

[Juney · Rating 4 out of 5]

If you had to read only one book about Diabetes THIS is the book! Extremely insightful for any Diabetics who are feeling overwhelmed or frustrated with the many different aspects that they are faced with. Down to earth. Real - not preachy. Even people not faced with Diabetes will walk away after reading it having learned something.

[Stuart · Rating 3 out of 5]

The author describes the metaphors of the malevolent "Sugar Fairy", "Werewolves", and the diabetes "Sugar Police" to name a few. Polonsky gives all too common diabetic experiences clever names but ok, NOW what?

The book is well intentioned, marks the beginning of "new gates" through which others will build the cobbled inroads toward layperson publications about the ~MENTAL HEALTH~ management aspect of this disease. A subject dangerously overlooked.

Yet, as written, what could have been a fabulous masonry gate, (worthy of Roman Architecture), in its place stand a few stones placed with far less inherent value. The book has meaningful flaws. Reference or works cited pages MUST be included in future editions. Studies are mentioned, but never listed with necessary identifying details. The tone as with most ADA publications is dangerously close to fluffy "cheerleading". ~...Rah-rah you can do it...~.

What to do with Polonsky's images is tragically unclear. They are decently potent imagery, but the author failed to discuss how his readers should use them. Perhaps in future editions the author hopefully will make his beliefs far more clear? As yet, he has not done so...

[Monica Willyard Moen · Rating 5 out of 5]

I needed the information in this book so badly. I wish it had been available to me years ago. Diabetes, especially when you use insulin, is not something you can easily control like a car or a computer. It's more like taming a wild mustang stallion with a mind of its own. It requires constant vigilance with no real vacation. Sometimes you think you're doing things just right, and then you test your blood sugar. Surprise! Your body had other plans.

[Sherrie · Rating 2 out of 5]

Not my preferred style of book. I don't like reading all about other people's problems with the disease. Not sure the book answers the burn-out question. If I am burned-out on the disease, I am not going to readily answer worksheet questions found in the book.

[Mason Kirksey · Rating 4 out of 5]

I started reading this book when I was severely struggling with diabetes-induced depression. There were several takeaways that helped, but the most beneficial part of the book for me was the chapter on the link between depression and Type 1 Diabetes.

[Sandra Liggett · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a work book that is extremely helpful and insightful for anyone who has or have close loved ones with Type 1 Diabetes. Filled with worksheets and helpful observations about how the relentless presence of this condition impacts life and hope.

[Patricia]

Good information on how to overcome difficulties in sticking to healthy living patterns which will help avoid serious complications later in the progression of this disease.

[char · Rating 5 out of 5]

Fantastic resource with compassionate validation of the common reasons behind burnout (divided into four categories: difficulty with treatment, feelings and attitudes towards diabetes, lack of support, life stress) and practical exercises to improve the situation.

[Jackie · Rating 4 out of 5]

Great book with a lot of worksheets and how to get new insights. There are many different ways you might need to focus more on improving your diabetes.
It seems fairly current in 2025 for being published in 1999.

It's definitely worth a read.

[Mark Davis]

It was a OK Book

It was a OK Book referee to this Book to help with burn out hoping for changes I think wjtb

[Donna · Rating 2 out of 5]

This was ok but I had hoped it was going to help me with a specific issue. It talked around the issue but didn't give any practical advice on how to deal with it which was disappointing.

[Eva · Rating 5 out of 5]

Anyone who wants to know what day-to-day life with diabetes can be like should read this book.

[Jim]

Recommended by Delnor

[Karen · Rating 5 out of 5]

Diabetes is a difficult disease to live with. This book is very helpful in many ways. It's helpful to know more about what you are dealing with. A great resource to keep handy.