Lucozade: My Burnout Safe Word
Let’s talk about something that doesn’t get enough airtime: diabetes burnout. Not in a scary, dramatic way — but in a very real, "I just don’t care anymore and wish someone would come to my house and do it all for me" kind of way.
Y’know… the correction dose, carb counting, food prep, remembering where your CGM is hiding. All of it. Sometimes, you just want to tap out and scream, “Can someone else adult for me today?”
We can all agree being an adult in 2025 is already like trying to run a marathon through quicksand. Add in diabetes and a self-employed 5-to-9 schedule, and it feels like you’re juggling flaming swords… while blindfolded… on a treadmill… in heels.
Lucozade *Enters the chat*
Now hear me out, I’ve been thinking — what if we had a code word for burnout? It's something I learnt in therapy. Something low-key. Something diabetes-y. Something that doesn't require you to say the dreaded three words: "I need help."
For me? That word is Lucozade. Universal. Understandable. And deeply symbolic, you are looking for energy and help. Saying Lucozade isn’t dramatic. It’s honest. It’s shorthand for “I’m maxed out. Please don’t ask me about my glucose levels or diabetes.”
The Rebellion Is Real
Sometimes my burnout looks like full-blown rebellion. I just want to eat. Not calculate. Not correct. Not think. Just eat and exist. And yeah, that definitely ties into the complex (sometimes traumatic) relationship a lot of us living with diabetes have with food.
It’s not about being lazy. It’s about being tired. Really tired. Of the constant mental math. Of the endless buzzing from devices. Of having to care about something every minute of every day.
Little Wins That Help
Here’s what’s been saving my sanity lately:
- Batch cooking: one overwhelming day = no decisions for the rest of the week.
- Reading romantasy: pure escapism. No carb counts, no burnout — just dragons and slow-burn plotlines.
- Weightlifting: endorphins + laser focus = mental reset button. Also, nothing like lifting heavy things to remind yourself you’re strong.
If you’re in burnout right now, here’s what I am offering you, “I’m sorry. I get it. Vent to me. What can I do for you right now?” You’re not broken. You’re not a burden. You’re navigating a mind field every single day — and still showing up. That’s not weakness, it’s superhuman.”
I hope your take away is that this is normal.
The world is overstimulating and hard even without a chronic illness. So, find your thing. Maybe it’s knitting. Maybe it’s creating a playlist. Maybe it’s just a walk where you don’t have to think about anything or anyone for an hour. And talk about it. Reach out. DM someone. Vent. Laugh. Cry. Repeat.
I’m guilty of bottling it up, too — but finding community (especially others living with diabetes) makes the weight feel lighter. My inbox is always open.
My final thought is, if you need a sign to rest, this is it. If you need a word to explain your feelings, call it Lucozade. If you need permission to not have it all together… you already have it.
You’re doing great. Even when it feels like you're not.
