- βPhysical activity significantly reduced burnout in GPs, suggesting lifestyle changes can protect both doctors and the care they deliver
- βTaking regular breaks from sitting improved GP mental wellbeing, pointing to simple workplace changes that could benefit the whole healthcare system
- βPatients who manage routine supply needs independently can reduce pressure on overstretched GP services
| Journal | BJGP open |
| Year | 2023 |
| Authors | Biddle, Thomas, Edwardson |
| PMID | 37474254 |
What Was Studied and Why It Matters to You
Researchers from the UK surveyed 406 General Practitioners to understand how burnout, mental wellbeing, and physical pain β particularly neck, back, and shoulder complaints β are affecting the doctors many diabetes patients depend on most. The study, published in BJGP Open in 2023, also looked at whether physical activity and sitting habits during the workday made a difference to these health outcomes.
For people managing diabetes, your GP is often the first point of contact for prescription renewals, routine check-ups, and referrals. Understanding the pressures your doctor faces can help you make the most of your appointments β and know when to seek additional support.
What the Research Found
The findings paint a concerning picture of GP health across the UK:
- 35.5% of GPs reported burnout β more than one in three doctors feeling emotionally exhausted and overwhelmed by their workload
- 81.8% reported neck, shoulder, or back pain β largely linked to long hours of sitting at a desk
- 22.9% had low psychological wellbeing, meaning nearly one in four GPs may be struggling mentally on any given day
However, the news wasn't all bad. GPs who met recommended physical activity guidelines reported significantly lower burnout levels. Those who took more than two breaks per hour from sitting had better mental wellbeing. And GPs who avoided long, unbroken stretches of sitting (30 minutes or more) had fewer musculoskeletal complaints.
What This Means for Diabetes Patients
A burned-out or pain-affected GP may have less time and energy to spend on complex chronic conditions like diabetes. Appointments may feel rushed, and it can be harder to get the thorough, personalised guidance you need for blood sugar management, medication reviews, or lifestyle advice.
Here's how you can take a more proactive role in your own care:
- Come prepared: Write down your top concerns before each appointment to make every minute count
- Track your readings: Bringing a log of your blood glucose results helps your GP make faster, better decisions
- Use pharmacy and online resources: For routine supplies like test strips, lancets, or continuous glucose monitoring (CGM) accessories, services like MDS Diabetes can reduce the number of trips you need to make to your GP surgery
- Don't delay concerns: If you feel your diabetes isn't being managed well, ask for a dedicated diabetes review appointment rather than raising it at the end of a general visit
The Bigger Picture
This study is a reminder that the healthcare system is under real strain. GPs are doing their best under difficult conditions. As a diabetes patient, building a reliable support network β including your pharmacist, diabetes nurse, and trusted suppliers like MDS Diabetes for your day-to-day equipment needs β can take pressure off your GP and ensure your condition stays well managed regardless of system pressures.
Bottom Line
More than a third of UK GPs are burned out, and over 80% are dealing with physical pain. This can affect the quality of care available to diabetes patients. Being prepared, tracking your health data, and sourcing routine diabetes supplies independently through services like MDS Diabetes can help you stay in control of your condition β even when the NHS is under pressure.