Improving Diabetes Care: Should We Reconceptualize Diabetes Burnout?

Purpose: The purpose of this study was to explore and understand the experience of diabetes burnout among people with diabetes (PWD). Methods: A qualitative descriptive analysis of 35 blog narratives published in 21 diabetes blogs from the United States, United Kingdom, and Ireland, written by PWD, provided the basis for this study’s definition of diabetes burnout. Data management (Nvivo 11 Pro) and analysis included 3 phases: immersion, reduction, and interpretation (kappa = 0.91). Results: Findings included 5 main themes that described diabetes burnout: (1) burnout is a “detachment” from diabetes care, (2) the “demanding life” of diabetes leads to burnout, (3) struggling with “perfect” numbers adds to burnout, (4) “life events” are catalysts to burnout, and (5) overcoming burnout is like “climbing out of a difficult hole.” Conclusions: Analysis of blog narratives provided unique insights into the concept of diabetes burnout. Five themes were identified that ranged from diabetes care detachment to difficulties in overcoming diabetes. These data provide an increased understanding of diabetes burnout and the factors that may contribute to diabetes burnout. To advance the science of diabetes burnout and to improve person-centered diabetes care and quality of life for PWD, further research is needed.