Having diabetes is not easy, and sometimes it seems very difficult. There's testing, clinic visits, insulin injections or tablets, watching what you eat and drink, collecting repeat prescriptions, visiting your GP. It can all get too much. This is sometimes called diabetes burnout.

Sometimes it goes beyond burnout. Everyone feels down sometimes, but in depression, these feelings become more frequent. Mild depression makes everything seem like a bigger effort and less rewarding when accomplished. Those at the other end of the scale can feel like giving up on life altogether.

Tackling diabetes burnout

If managing your diabetes is becoming too much then its important to discuss this with your nurse. With both of you looking at the situation there may be changes to the routine that could make a big difference. Maybe some of your goals are over ambitious; more realistic goals could help your diabetes become a lot easier to manage.

Tackling depression

The best thing you can do is talk your problems through with someone. This can be someone close to you, or sometimes a couple of people are better - friends or relatives.