Navigating the storm: A qualitative research on contributing factors to diabetes burnout in young adults with type 1 diabetes.

Authors

Samereh Abdoli, Leila Rafiee-Vardanjani, Kobra Noorian, Mehri Doosti-Irani

Published in

Journal of education and health promotion. Volume 15. Pages 372. Epub Aug 31, 2026.

Abstract

Diabetes burnout is a serious and often overlooked condition marked by emotional exhaustion, detachment, and a sense of helplessness in managing diabetes. This qualitative content analysis study seeks to uncover the underlying factors that contribute to the onset and persistence of diabetes burnout. Understanding these factors is essential for informing targeted interventions and supportive policies to improve the well-being of individuals living with Type 1 diabetes.
Eleven adults with T1D in Shahrekord, Iran, were recruited using purposive sampling to ensure diverse perspectives. Fourteen semi-structured interviews (50-60 minutes each) were conducted in Persian, with two participants completing follow-up sessions. Interviews were recorded, transcribed verbatim, and analyzed using Elo and Kyngäs's three-step process: open coding, categorization, and abstraction. Trustworthiness was ensured through prolonged engagement, peer debriefing, member checking, and application of Lincoln and Guba's criteria.
Qualitative analysis revealed four interrelated themes contributing to burnout: (1) disruptions in self-management routines (e.g., sleep, exercise, diet); (2) external stressors and resource limitations (e.g., economic instability, healthcare access, medication shortages); (3) fluctuations in physical and emotional well-being; and (4) the role of interpersonal and social support. Many of these challenges were exacerbated by the COVID-19 pandemic, which disrupted healthcare routines and increased psychosocial stress. Participants likened their experience to navigating a suspension bridge-requiring constant adaptation amid instability. These findings highlight the need for holistic diabetes care that addresses both medical and social dimensions, especially during times of crisis.
This study reveals diabetes burnout as a critical but often overlooked barrier to effective diabetes management. Disruptions in daily routines, compounded by crises, heighten burnout risks. Aligning with global health policy benchmarks, our findings support the need for integrated care that addresses both medical and psychosocial aspects of diabetes. Health systems should prioritize mental health support, routine stability, and access to essential resources to improve long-term outcomes for people with type 1 diabetes.

PMID:
42829756
Bibliographic data and abstract were imported from PubMed on 04 Oct 2026.

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