Diabetes Distress Support

Is diabetes feeling emotionally draining at the moment? You're not alone.

Experiencing distress is an expected response to life with diabetes.

If you live with diabetes, chances are you’ve experienced diabetes distress at some time or another—even if you didn’t have the words for it at the time.

It’s that feeling of being emotionally overwhelmed by everything diabetes demands: the numbers, the appointments, the food decisions, the never-ending to-do list for your health. It’s not depression, and it’s not burnout exactly—it’s its own thing. 

What is Diabetes Distress?

Diabetes distress is the emotional strain and frustration that comes from managing a chronic condition like diabetes. It’s incredibly common and incredibly valid.

You might be feeling:

  • Tired of constant blood sugar monitoring

  • Anxious about long-term complications

  • Frustrated with your care plan or healthcare team

  • Guilty when your numbers aren’t “perfect”

  • Alone in dealing with all of it

You’re not alone. A study published in Diabetes Care found that up to 40% of people with type 1 or type 2 diabetes experience diabetes distress

This isn’t about “being negative” or “not trying hard enough.” It’s a totally natural response to the never-ending work of diabetes management. And it deserves attention.

How We Can Help

Think of therapy as a safe space to unpack the mental and emotional weight you’ve been carrying. Our certified therapists specialize in working with people managing chronic health conditions. We offer:

  • Space to vent and feel heard without judgment

  • Strategies to manage stress, guilt, and overwhelm

  • Tools to set boundaries and protect your mental space

  • Support in communicating with your care team or loved ones

  • Guidance in reconnecting with your goals and values (beyond the numbers)

We use a mix of Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), and mindfulness-based approaches to help you feel more grounded, more in control, and less alone.

Ready to talk?

At Pineapple Therapy, we understand you’re managing something hard, and you deserve support while doing it. Whether you’re newly diagnosed or have been managing diabetes for years, our team is here to help you navigate diabetes distress. We offer:

  • Virtual and in-person sessions

  • Flexible scheduling

  • Therapists who get it (many of us live with chronic conditions ourselves)

Take the first step and reach out below.