The Mental Weight of T1D. Burnout, Advocacy & Self-Compassion

Diabetes burnout is not a character flaw. It is a predictable response to a relentless, non-negotiable condition that never gives you a break — and yet it isn't discussed nearly enough. In this special episode of Think Like a Pancreas — The Podcast, we revisit our most important conversations about the emotional weight of living with type 1 diabetes. Dr. Paula Diab's patient, James van der Meulen, shares his experience of burnout during law school, and how he gets back on track. Mental health specialist Anna Sabino offers practical ways to navigate burnout and explains what it can be hiding underneath. And mental health professional Kristi Paguio joins Dr. Paula Diab to examine the challenges of advocating for yourself — and how to build a support team to help you run a race that never ends. MEET YOUR HOSTS AND THEIR GUESTS: Anna Sabino MSW, CDCES is a Mental Health Specialist who has been living with T1D for over 30 years and proudly offers expert emotional health counseling for children, adults, and families with T1D. Her areas of expertise include family dynamics, crisis management, anxiety, depression, burnout, and post-traumatic stress. Dr Paula Diab MBChB, MFamMed, PhD, CDCES is the Director of Weight Management at Integrated Diabetes Services. She is a Family Physician and Diabetologist who runs a multi-disciplinary practice specializing in the management of chronic diseases, particularly diabetes and obesity in South Africa. Her approach is to walk the journey with her patients and to allow them to manage their disease rather than allow the disease to define who they are. Kristi Paguio LMSW, LCSW, CDCES is a Mental Health Specialist. She has been working in the field of diabetes since 2007 as a licensed clinical social worker, diabetes care and education specialist, and certified specialist in obesity and weight management. Kristi has had the privilege of working with people across the lifespan who are impacted by diabetes. She has experience working with adults, children, athletes, pregnancy, and weight management. Kristi was diagnosed with type 1 diabetes in 2000 and has specialized in the mental and emotional aspects of diabetes since that time. James van der Meulen has been living with type 1 diabetes since he was four years old. He has successfully managed his diabetes through university and law school. He is now a successful corporate lawyer in South Africa. KEY TAKEAWAYS AND HIGHLIGHTS: ✔️Diabetes burnout is inevitable and NOT a personal failure. ✔️Like your diabetes, your burnout may vary. ✔️ On your worst days, simply perform the basics. CHAPTERS: 00:00 The Elephant in the Room 04:09 The Invisible Burden of Type 1 Diabetes 08:21 The Importance Building Our Support Team 11:40 If You are Living with Type 1 Diabetes, Never Forget That You ARE Incredible! 16:24 Tips for Navigating Burnout RESOURCES: Diabetes is the Ultimate Ultra-Marathon    • Diabetes is the ULTIMATE Ultramarathon   Coping with Burnout In Diabetes Management    • Coping with Burnout in Diabetes Management...   The Burden of Diabetes and Self-Advocacy    • The Burden of Diabetes and Self-Advocacy   CONNECT WITH US: 🔵Website: integrateddiabetes.com 🔵 Follow on Social Media: @integrated_diabetes_services and @ integrateddiabetesservices on Facebook 🔵To work with the Integrated Diabetes Services Team , visit https://integrateddiabetes.com/appoin... or email [email protected] SUBSCRIBE AND REVIEW If the podcast has helped you to live better with diabetes, please tell someone else how to find it! If you have a question, take a moment and ask! We love to hear from you! And then be sure to subscribe to the Integrated Diabetes Services YouTube channel to ensure that you never miss an episode! Disclaimer The information contained in this program is based on the experience and opinions of the Integrated Diabetes Services clinical team. Please discuss any changes to your treatment plan with your personal healthcare provider before implementing. Schedule an appointment: https://integrateddiabetes.com/appoin... #DiabetesEducation #DiabetesSupport #DiabetesManagement #IntegratedDiabetesServices #IntegratedDiabetes #Type1Diabetes #T1D