Dating with Diabetes

Dating can be a stressful experience, and worrying about how your diabetes affects it may add to the stress.

Here are some helpful tips to make the dating process a little easier:

When to Tell Your Date You Have Diabetes

Diabetes, and the daily management of it, is a big part of your life and, consequently, will also be a part of your significant other's life. However, it can be tricky to know when the right time is to tell that special someone about your condition.

You may want to wait until it comes up naturally, instead of planning out a certain time. This way, your date sees how diabetes factors into your everyday life, but also sees that it is manageable. Also, by being open about it, your partner will feel more comfortable and be able to ask questions and learn about diabetes.

How to Tell Your Date You Have Diabetes

Although you don't need to plan when you tell your significant other you have diabetes, it is useful to plan what you will say when that moment arrives. Planning ahead will help to make the conversation concise so that it does not become the main focus of the date. This does not mean you should underplay the importance of diabetes in your life, but rather that you should explain it in an effective and matter-of-fact way.

Other Considerations when Dating

There are some physical issues to consider when you are planning to go on a date. The most important thing to remember is to manage your blood glucose levels. Here are some ways to maintain the proper blood sugar levels on a date:

• Take your blood sugar test before you go out
• Bring snacks in case your blood sugar dips while you are out
• Limit the amount of alcohol you drink
• Limit your time in a hot tub so that the hot water does not decrease your blood pressure level

Source: American Diabetes Association