Managing diabetes as a teenager can feel like an uphill battle—and a slippery one at that. A recent study found that teens and young adults with diabetes are more likely to face severe complications, including hospitalization, than younger children. As school pressures, social life, and the whirlwind of growing up mount, teens often find it harder to stay on top of their condition, leading to what experts call “diabetes burnout.” And it’s not just a matter of missing insulin injections; the mental and emotional toll runs deep.
Why Are Teens at Higher Risk?
As any teen will tell you, life gets busy—and chaotic. For those with diabetes, this chaotic mix often includes constant glucose checks, carb counting, and insulin management. Many young people, tired of the routine and overwhelmed by the responsibility, may start skipping doses or ignoring their condition altogether. The consequence? Dangerous spikes in blood sugar and, in the worst cases, a life-threatening condition called diabetic ketoacidosis (DKA), where the body produces high levels of blood acids.
According to Dr. Meranda Nakhla, a pediatric endocrinologist from the Montreal Children’s Hospital, burnout among teens with diabetes is common. “It’s not just about the physical act of managing diabetes but the emotional exhaustion that comes with it,” she notes. Teens, in particular, are juggling more than just their health—there’s schoolwork, sports, friendships, and the all-consuming desire to fit in. Diabetes can often feel like an unwelcome weight, dragging them down when they want nothing more than to be like everyone else.
Alarming Stats: What the Study Found
The research, published in The Lancet Diabetes & Endocrinology, paints a stark picture. The study, which analyzed data from Quebec’s health system, revealed that teens aged 14 to 15 are 1.8 times more likely to be admitted to the emergency room due to diabetes complications than younger children. For those between 22 and 23, the likelihood jumps even further, to 2.4 times. Clearly, something shifts during the teenage years, and the stakes become dangerously high.
This shift is not just physical—it’s deeply mental and emotional. As teens begin to take control of their diabetes care, parents step back, creating a gap in supervision that can lead to more frequent lapses. Max, a 15-year-old from Montreal, shared how managing his diabetes on his own has been both empowering and daunting. “I’ve got school, activities, friends—I try to balance it all, but sometimes diabetes just doesn’t fit in,” he says. Max’s mother, Maïa, admits that while he’s doing well, there’s always a fear in the back of her mind. “When he’s out with friends, we can’t always be there to remind him to check his glucose.”
The Mental Health Factor
While keeping blood sugar levels in check is critical, the psychological impact of managing a chronic illness like diabetes often flies under the radar. Both Dr. Nakhla and other experts emphasize the importance of addressing mental health concerns alongside diabetes care. Burnout is not just a buzzword—it’s a very real challenge that can affect teens’ physical well-being.
Dr. Rayzel Shulman, a pediatric endocrinologist at Toronto’s Hospital for Sick Children, stresses that addressing mental health might be the key to better diabetes management. “Many teens struggle with feelings of isolation or frustration. Sometimes, we need to tackle those issues before we can make headway on their diabetes management,” she says. Indeed, research shows that teens with diabetes are more prone to depression and anxiety than their peers without the condition.
What Can Be Done?
So, what can parents and healthcare providers do to support teens and prevent burnout?
- Autonomy with a Safety Net: While it’s crucial for teens to take charge of their diabetes management, they still need a support system. Max’s continuous glucose monitor sends alerts to both him and his parents when his levels are off. This kind of technology can provide a much-needed safety net.
- Mental Health Resources: Addressing the psychological aspects of diabetes is just as important as the physical. Clinics should focus on mental health support, offering counseling and resources for teens feeling overwhelmed.
- Peer Support: Teens are more likely to listen to their peers than to adults. Creating mentorship programs where older teens can guide younger ones through their diabetes journey may make a significant impact.
As Max’s story shows, managing diabetes as a teen is no easy feat, but with the right tools, emotional support, and a little flexibility, it’s possible to prevent burnout and reduce complications. After all, diabetes doesn’t take a day off—so neither should the care and support we provide to these teens.
